Substrate Size Selection by Bean Beetles

 

Christopher W. Beck, Saphida Migabo, & Lawrence S. Blumer

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2011, Volume 32

Abstract

Live animal systems that are easily manipulated and permit rapid data collection would be ideal for teaching non-science majors and introductory-level majors the methods of science. In this study, we use the well-developed bean beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, model system to guide students in the development and implementation of an experiment that is an authentic scientific study from which they can easily collect meaningful data. Bean beetles are agricultural pest insects of Africa and Asia. Females lay their eggs on the surface of beans (Family Fabaceae) and the entire pre-adult parts of the life cycle occur inside the host bean. In this study, students design and conduct experiments to evaluate whether female bean beetles discriminate between beans of different sizes within one bean species. We also will review the on-line resources available for laboratory studies with the bean beetle model system and present an assessment strategy for student understanding of the scientific process.

Keywords:  insect behavior, bean beetle, substrate size discrimination, reproductive behavior

Dalhousie University (2010)