As many of you know, we have been observing salamander eggs that were hatched in a creek in Fountain Inn. We watched one salamander hatch, but it isn't alive anymore. The log has been sitting in a basin of water for a couple of weeks. We noticed yesterday that something was swimming around. It was small like the salamander, but was swimming more quickly and was a dark red color, with red rings that looked like segments. Mrs. LeCroy scooped it out to get a closer look, and before our eyes, it changed (through Metamorphosis) from a pupa to an adult insect. We didn't have a clue as to what it was or the resources to find out. So, we contacted some professors at Winthrop and they directed us to Dr. Paula Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell was so helpful and was eager to take a look at our insect so we could identify it. So today, Ms. Pickering carried our insect to Winthrop University for our expert to examine it closer with a high-powered microscope. Dr. Paula Mitchell, the entomologist (someone who studies insects), moved our insect to a smaller container to make her observations. Take a look: So, I searched several sites looking for more information on Midges. I came across this webpage at Clemson. Click here to take a look. I definitely learned a lot about Midges. Ours probably won't live past 10 days. Dr. Mitchell suggested putting sugar water (1/11 sugar and 10/11 water) in a cotton ball. We placed the cotton ball in a bottle cap so that it wasn't mixed with the freshwater. It may eat the sugar water, but so far it has had no interest in eating. I read it's sole purpose in becoming an adult is to reproduce, then it dies! It spends most of its time at the bottom of creeks and ponds feeding off of the organic matter (cleaning the water) in its larval stage. It still was EXTREMELY cool (and scary) to watch it transform from pupa to adult through metamorphosis! Thank you Dr. Paula Mitchell for helping us discover what kind of insect we have! We appreciate you taking your time and expertise to help us learn.
3 Comments
Jaime Cochrane
3/26/2014 11:29:11 am
How exciting! I cannot believe y'all are learning so much about so many things. And, it sounds like you're using community resources and helping them learn more about our surroundings! This is truly amazing!
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Tammy White
3/26/2014 11:55:37 pm
Wow! That is so cool! I am impressed that you all were able to work with a real entomologist to figure out what kind of organism crashed your party.
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Shemia Thompson
4/3/2014 12:04:08 pm
Amazing! Your posts are always so engaging and exciting! I definitely want to be in your class! You all are learning so much. I love that the students are actively involved in their learning and solving challenges :) #CBL
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