Advanced Level

Movement of seed beetles

Introduction

In this investigation, the speed of seed beetles is measured during horizontal and vertical movement.

Lesson Organisation

This could be carried out in groups, with tasks allocated for example timing, recording timings on paper, calculating speed and manipulating the seed beetles.

Apparatus And Chemicals

To store the seed beetles: (see note 1)

Glass jar, large
Gauze/ muslin
Elastic band

For each group of students:

Adult seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculates), 3
Beaker, small, 1
Gauze/ muslin, 8 cm x 8 cm
Elastic band
Thermometer tube and cap, empty
Stop clock

Health & Safety

Read our health and safety guidelines

Some students may be allergic to seed beetles. Seek medical advice in the case of any reaction.

Technical Notes

1 Keep the beetles in glass jars with a gauze and elastic band covering the opening. Give students one or two beetles in small beakers, also covered in gauze.

Ethical issues

Take care not to damage or kill any seed beetles in the process of the activity.

Procedure

a Measure the length of the thermometer tube.

b Place a beetle in a thermometer tube and replace the cap so the beetle is confined to the tube.

c Using the stop clock, time the speed of the beetle travelling through the thermometer tube when it is horizontal on the work surface. (Speed = distance x time, so you can time how long the beetle takes to travel a certain measured distance, or see how far it travels in a given time).

d Repeat with the tube placed vertically.

e Replace the beetle carefully and repeat stages b and c with different beetles.

Teaching Notes

This investigation could be run by following the procedure, or as an experiment, with students being given information about the beetles’ habitat, and being asked to form and test a hypothesis and plan the experiment.

Health and safety checked, September 2008

Web Links

The teachers resources page of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour has more animal behaviour experiments.http://asab.nottingham.ac.uk/education/teachers.php

(Website accessed September 2008)

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