The Gloworm

3 February 1994
Volume 2: no. 2

Well, we've gone from shivering cold to balmy shirtsleeve weather and back to the deep freeze in the last few weeks. They say the groundhog saw its shadow, but here's hoping that warm weather comes real soon, for I can hardly wait to get out in the garden and get some things planted. Yes, I want to plant vegetables, but I've also scrounged some butterfly and other insect `vegetables' to plant this spring and can hardly wait to see if I can attract and raise some of my own. Wildflower mixes, dill, milkweed and a number of other flowering annuals, including zinnias, are going to be in my garden this spring. Included in this issue is a reprint of a listing of butterfly plants from last March and November. I'm also going to plant some Trumpet Creeper in an effort at attracting Hummingbirds. I never thought I'd be guilty of planting that particular plant, for I grew up chopping Trumpet Creeper weed (buck vine) out of dad's cotton fields. For you Mississippians there's a new book: "Mississippi Wildflowers" out in paperback, check it out.

A number of people have asked for the information on insect pins. There are 2 major sources that we use for insect pins. They are:

More Science Projects: How does pollution affect insects? Collect a number of mosquito larvae (wigglers) or other aquatic insects and hold them in glass (quart ) jars of water. Decide what pollutant (a house-hold detergent or insecticide work well) you want to test and divide the larvae into separate jars so that there are 10 to 20 larvae in each jar. Add a small amount of pollutant (use less insecticide, 1 drop, than you do detergent, 5 drops) to a jar, double the amount added to a second, and double again for a third, etc. until all the jars except one are treated. Observe the effects if any on the larvae. If after a few hours there are no effects observed, repeat the process by increasing the dosage. Be sure and record your observations. This test can also be run using petroleum oil or other commonly used products. What would happen if food waste is added to the jars? Why? How would the various pollutants affect a minnow?

B = BLUE, P = PINK, PU = PURPLE, R = RED, O = ORANGE, L = LAVENDER, W = WHITE.

This information was obtained from: Ortho Books - How to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. ISBN 0-8972-232-0. These are only a few of the flowering plants which attract butterflies and moths. Also provide water and hiding places for them.

Preserving Insects in Liquid: Some insects and other animals are best preserved in liquid. First kill the animal in hot water and then transfer it to alcohol (ethanol). 70% alcohol is the best preservative but it will cause the specimens to lose color after a while. K.A.A. (1 part kerosene, 2 parts acetic acid, & 10 parts 70% alcohol) can be used to treat specimens to keep them from fading. Depending on the size of the specimen, it can be transferred to 70% alcohol after 2 to 5 days. This will keep them fresh looking much longer. Acetic acid and alcohol may be obtained from most druggists.

Happy Bugging!