Effects of LED and Incandescent Light on Escape Behavior of Mealworms, Larvae of the Grain Beetle Tenebrio molitor

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Sophomore

Major

Psychology

Minor

Psychology

Institution

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

KY House District #

15

KY Senate District #

6

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Mealworms, larvae of the grain beetle Tenebrio molitor, were presented green LED and incandescent lights in two phases, with either LED or incandescent light first. In each phase, 12 larvae in Petri dishes half-lit were given two 3-minute periods with intervening 180 degree rotation, and either a 3-minute period of dark or no dark period with another 180 degree rotation between Phase 1 and 2. Comparison groups received exposure to two lights of one type, either LED or incandescent in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, with or without an intervening 3-minute period of darkness between phases. The number of larvae in light at the beginning and end of each 3-minute period was counted and the difference in avoidance between Phase 1 and 2 for each group of 12 larvae was calculated. Results showed greater avoidance of light in Phase 2 when it was LED, but not when it was incandescent.

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Effects of LED and Incandescent Light on Escape Behavior of Mealworms, Larvae of the Grain Beetle Tenebrio molitor

Mealworms, larvae of the grain beetle Tenebrio molitor, were presented green LED and incandescent lights in two phases, with either LED or incandescent light first. In each phase, 12 larvae in Petri dishes half-lit were given two 3-minute periods with intervening 180 degree rotation, and either a 3-minute period of dark or no dark period with another 180 degree rotation between Phase 1 and 2. Comparison groups received exposure to two lights of one type, either LED or incandescent in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, with or without an intervening 3-minute period of darkness between phases. The number of larvae in light at the beginning and end of each 3-minute period was counted and the difference in avoidance between Phase 1 and 2 for each group of 12 larvae was calculated. Results showed greater avoidance of light in Phase 2 when it was LED, but not when it was incandescent.