insect study

by choo-toh get ten senior education officer

Insects are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on earth. shield bug Over a million species are described, and millions more exist. They are remarkably adapted to living everywhere on land, in the air and in fresh water. In the Asian mangroves, insects markedly dominate all life forms. Leaving the Visitor Centre, first time insect scouts may be disappointed at the apparent scarcity of other insects. grasshopper The truth is, these tricky little creatures can hide or camouflage themselves very well amongst the vegetation. If you could stop walking for a while to look closely at the surrounding vegetation, you will soon see insects crawling on leaves or flying about. just be patient and observant, know when, where and how to zoom in on their likely hideouts, and the amazing, bizarre world of insects will be unveiled before you. At Sungei Buloh Nature Park, visitors are otten greeted by the more flamboyant of these six-legged arthropods. Amidst the incessant chorusing of the cicadas, the colourful buttertflies flutter around the butterfly trail, the solitary bumble bee buzzes amongst flowers, and the dragonflies glide swiftly or hover over the lotus pond. animal taxa Protoza 18 Sponges-Bryozoa 5 Coelenterata-Ctenophora 3 Non-polychaete worms 13 Polychaetes 11 Crustaceans 229 Insects-Arachnids 500 Molluscs 211 Echinodermata 1 Fish 283 Reptiles 22 Amphibians 2 Birds 177 Mammals 36 Number of animal species recorded in Asian Mangroves (Modified from IUCL 1983)

tricky little creatures where to find insects on plants The actively growing, more nutritious or palatable parts of plants, e.g., shoots, buds, young/semi mature leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, veins on underside of leaves. Around their homes, e.g., ant nest, termite mounds or tracks, cases of bagworms. Where damage or abnormalities occur, e.g., leaves distorted, rolled, webbed or folded, holes, cuts, burrows, stunting, wilt, colour change, black sooty mould. Near traces of insects, e.g., cast skin, faeces, waxy or sugary secretions, silky web, egg or pupal cases. in other habitats In fresh or brackish water, under leaf litter, rocks, fallen logs, in/on mud or soil. when to find insects Generally throughout the year, but some are abundant only when food supply and environment favour their multiplication. For day-active insects, e.g., pollinators and many leaf feeders, at most times of the day, especially late morning and late afternoon. For nocturnal insects, e.g., moths, cockchafers and other beetles, mostly at dusk or just after sunset. Do not look for insects right after rain when foliage is still wet. how to get close to watch and study insects Wear clothes of neutral colors or shades of green, not gaudy colours, or black unless you like mosquitoes. Bring a 10x hand lens, or 8-20x eye lens for examining small insects, or binoculars for examining those perched high up or far away. Bring along a camera with tele-macro lens for photographic record. Approach active, flying insects quietly and slowly, minimizing body movements and air vibration. Avoid casting shadows over them and remember to keep clear of insects which sting. If necessary, carefully capture active flying insects in a clear container for closer examination before releasing them back to where they are found. what to observe Having found insects, never miss the chance of observing their social behaviour, hunting techniques, feeding habits, home building activities, and last but not least, the myriad of their colours and structures that enable them to escape or survive the attack of their natural enemies.

reference guide
Parker, S.1992. Insects. Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Preston-Mafham, R and K, Preston-Mafham. 1996. The Natural History of Insects. The Crowood Press.
Sterry, P. 1997. Insects - A Portrait ot The Animal World. Todtri Productions Limited.
Stokes, D. W. 1983. Stokes Guide to Observing Insects. Little Brown and Company.