Another Day in the Field

With the week of research winding down, the animal list has continued to grow. For many of the group members, today was their first time ever seeing an alligator. I guess time in the swamp makes them very relaxed because I have never seen an alligator hanging out on a log in the Florida Everglades like the one we saw today.

In searching for caterpillars we stumbled across some new specimens today. Can anyone identify them?

With one more day to go, the longest process is inputting the information into the computer. For every plot, caterpillar species, plant species, and location must recorded to compile a list of emperical data. Why would it be so important to maintain uniformity while inputting data? Why would it be necessary to include the plant species as well as the caterpillars when the study focuses on climate change and caterpillars?

I have included some photos of the lab work as well.

Life as a Field Biologist

It's interesting to think about field biology with the mindset of watching Planet Earth and being amazed with all of the wonderful animals in beautiful surroundings.

Well, I wanted to shed some light on what field biology really entails. Today, for instance, we woke up early to make our breakfast and prepare for a day of collecting. The place where we are staying is classified as a bunkhouse meaning there is one bathroom, eight bunk beds, one army cot, and a kitchenette. We also share the bunkhouse with Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Manager Biologist who has his desk and phone in the corner. AND we have the zoo containing 100+ caterpillars and their food.

Once breakfast is made, each person may have to pack their own lunch depending on how long you are in the field. Today was a short day with collection only in the morning that entailed using a machete to hack through the blackberry bushes to find an opening where we would actually have enough space to move around in a 10m x 10m area. The journey can be extremely eventful as blackberry bushes grow in arches with curved thorns that stick to and rip through everything but tough rubber boots. I had to remove a a branch that stuck to my ear today. Poison ivy was rampant as well. It's just import to watch what you touch and step on as snakes can be around sunning.

Even with all of the mosquitoes and things that could make you miserable, attitude is everything.

Enjoy the video.

Remember to answer questions that I have posted earlier in regards to the importance of studying the herbivory of the caterpillars and their impact on the foodweb.

Kayaking on the West Pearl River

Field work continued today by kayaking on the West Pearl River. The proposed idea was to travel down the river and find a radom spot along the shore to enter into the forest to collect data (caterpillar count and species diversity, vegetation types, leaf counts, and herbivory).

How do the rivers in Louisiana differ from the rivers in Florida?

This river was also at flood stage which made it very difficult to follow the plans for the day.

Compare the flow of the rivers in southern Louisiana with the Everglades. How can you account for the difference in the flows? What causes rivers to flow? How would a river's flow at flood stage compare to normal flow? How can you account for the difference? What impact do you think flooding would have on the ecosystems in regards to occurance of caterpillars?

Post your comments to the answers to the above questions. Feel free to ask other comments as well as you are researching thearea in which I am studying.

First day in the lab

Today was a full day of classifying and logging captured specimens from yesterday. Even though the schedule states that we would be traveling back to the field for more collecting, we actually spent the entire day classifying. Once the host plant species was identified along with the caterpillar (each was classified by family, genus, and possibly species), bags were placed on the growing rack.

Your task for the day is to determine what is shown in the following picture. Another question for you to answer is based upon the need for studying caterpillars. What is the role of caterpillars in trophic systems? How would their diversity be impacted by change in vegetation due to environmental conditions?

The first day in the field

Today was a full day of training on field research techniques. After breakfast we had a crash course on caterpillar families ensuring safety for collection identifying those caterpillars that were poisonous (2) and those with body armour for protection (4). Once in the field, we traveled along the edge of the road to search for specimens to take back to the lab for curating. While searching through the vegetation, we were shown the prevelance of poison ivy.

Hopefully I come back safely.

After lunch we randomly chose a research plot where we had to hack through the brambles and set up a 10m x 10m sample site. Each team member had specific responsibilities: hunt for caterpillars, identify caterpillars, indentify trees, and count leaf cover. For each caterpillar collected, we had to label date, family, host plant, metamorphic stage, and plot site. Site analysis today took three hours to collect data. Hopefully as the week progresses, we will become more effiicient in collecting data.

I am posting three specimen samples tonight. It is your task to identify the specimens.

Getting ready to go

Wow. With the transition to a new job in a new county combined with a 2 hour daily commute, I can't believe the time has come for me to leave on a new adventure in the Louisiana swamplands. I feel as though doing field research will be a well-deserved respite from the hectic pace of that which I have grown accustomed.


During my fellowship I will participate in a study that examines the factors affecting interactions between caterpillars and their natural enemies – an important area of study for both agricultural and basic ecology. The expedition is based out of the laboratory and rearing facilities at Tulane University, as well as in the natural forests, swamps and urban habitats surrounding New Orleans, Louisiana.

I look forward to having all of you travel along on this adventure with me.

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