Lab Time!
Today had a great beginning because I had the opportunity to work in our makeshift lab here at the bunkhouse to catalogue (listing number of specimens in each bag, type of plant they were found on and eating, taking pictures of them, noting any parasitism activity, and listing life stage) as well caring for them (cleaning the frass, ensuring that the caterpillars have enough food and moisture). It was amazing to see some of the varieties that we found and I'm sure that we will find even more by the end of the expedition and I can't wait to share them with you tomorrow. I even got to give nicknames to the caterpillars we couldn't identify without further research!
After lunch I then was able to
go back out into the swamp in order to research another plot and bring back more specimens to study. In order to get there we had to walk through some deep swamp water and I am happy to report that I did not see any water moccasins or alligators!
Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day because I will be going out into the swamp via kayak in order to get to a research plot that is inaccessible by car, so I'm sure that we are going to see a large and diverse ecosystem that has been relatively untouched by humans! Keep your fingers crossed that I don't run into any snakes or alligators then... I hope to see all of you on Thursday afternoon in one piece! I'm looking forward to your comments tomorrow when you are at the library and I am even more excited to see you on Thursday!
Challenge Question:
How do caterpillars adapt to their environments and protect themselves from predators as well as parasitoids? Research this and tell me your favorite one!
posted by Georgia Gier @ 10:56 PM
12 Comments:
Hey Mrs. Gier whats up? Hows it going? The catapillers are very interesting and we hope to here about them when you get back. Have fun kayaking and we hope your snake boots work!
We are glad to see that you are enjoying yout time studying in New Orleans! The caterpillars looked intresting and differnt then any caterpillars we have seen before! Its unfortunate that your boots were not waterproof while you walked through the Honey Island Swamp. We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow on camera! Enjoy the rest of your adventure! :)
We are glad to see that you are enjoying your time studying in New Orleans! The caterpillars looked very interesting and different than any caterpillars we have seen before. It is unfortunate that your snake boots were not waterproof while you walked through the Honey Island Swamp. We are looking forward to seeing you on camera tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of your adventure! :)
-Sabrina and Aylin
We am sorry to hear that your snake boots aren't water proof. your feet must have gotten really wet, but it must have been interesting studying all of the species of caterpillars in the field. Good luck when you go to the next research plot, and watch out for alligators and snakes.
Vinny + Prisila
Hello Mrs. Gier how are you doing today? The journey you embarked on seems quite interesting. It made me think of the many different environmental challenges you will be facing, such as weather patterns and wild life.
In the picture it seems as if the alligator is trying to commoflauge itself into the tree bark, this may help the animal catch its prey and hide from preditors.
I hope your having a good time and hope you come home savely and those snake boots are doing you good.
p.s. Keep up the good work.
Love Always,
John Jarosz, Michael Leonard, and Michael Amante
Q: How do caterpillars adapt to their environments and protect themselves from predators as well as parasitoids?
A: The researchers found that the caterpillars evolved different physiological mechanisms related to fat metabolism. Some caterpillars and chrysalis have a special pattern making them look like their surroundings.
Andrew, Kia, Shane, Ameer:
Hello Ms. Gier, How Are You Doing? We Were Wondering How Mamy Species Of Caterpillars You Have Obtained Thus Far?
Hey Mrs. Gier! It sounds like you're having a very exciting time in LA, and we're really glad to hear that. How many species of caterpillars have you collected so far? And are there any species of caterpillars that you have found, that you haven't heard of before? We can't wait to hear more about your adventures! Good luck!
-Love your favorite students,
Marie, Erin, and Bridget
P.S. sorry to hear about your boots ):
Hi its Bobby and Connor and we had a few questions. What color were the catterpillars. Also, did you see any crocidiles on your hunt. Talk to u tomorrow. BYE
Hello Again Ms. Gier, I have another question to ask you about the caterpillars. In general how many caterpillars did you find that had spots and were those the caterpillars which were poisonous?
Hi, Ms. Gier! During the whole trip, was anyone actually stung by any caterpillars?
Do you have a favorite kind of caterpillar? (:
-Bridget
Howdie Mrs.Gier hope your having fun down in Loisiana. I hope that your snake boots are working for ya(even tho they were not water proof =D). But not why im bloging to you, Have you found a new species unidentified species of caterpillars? And if so what did you name it? I also have another question what did you learn from your studies that were unexpected? So i hope that you are having fun and I know that every body misses you and we were all hoping that you didnt get hurt and I hope you have a safe flight back home
-Salina Goncalves
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