Energy Dynamics of the Painted Lady Butterfly Under Two Temperature Conditions.

Background on the Painted Lady Butterfly:

In your journal research and report on the Painted Lady Butterfly (1).

Background on Energy Dynamics: All living systems require a constant input of free energy (AP Bio Essential Knowledge (EK) statement 2.A.1. Systems are affected by many complex biotic and abiotic interactions, making this experiment a challenge. As you work with these organisms (both the plants and the animals) consider the movement of both matter and energy in this system.

In your journal, diagram the flow of matter and energy within this plant/larvae system. Use arrows to indicate direction (2).

This lab will allow us to estimate net terrestrial productivity and secondary productivity in a laboratory setting.

What is productivity? Differentiate net and secondary productivity ( 3).

The material the larvae will be eating is largely water but the composition varies from material to material. In order to standardize the amount of material other than water scientists use a value known as biomass.

What is biomass? What are some ways you could obtain a biomass value for an individual? (4)

Energy in an ecosystem can be equated to money in a household budget. A certain amount comes in and it is dispersed into different streams. Consider: Light energy Producers Consumers

At what point is the matter/energy measurable? How could it be measured? (5)

Time Frame: This activity will take 2-3 weeks of data collection. Groups: Data collection for a set of larvae will be shared according to the following: Group Env Sci (Block) 1 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 6 AP Bio (Block -Teacher) 5 IBHL-Killough 6 Killough 7 Killough 1 Killough 2 Myrick 3 Killough 4 Killough

Importance of common protocol: This project is a collaboration between AP Biology, AP Environmental Science and AP Statistics. Since we are working together it is vitally important that we agree on, and closely follow the same protocol from group to group and block to block. We do not want any confounding variables right Ms. Smeltzer? Research Questions:

Does temperature affect the adult emergence time from the chrysalis? Does temperature affect the larval growth rate of Painted Lady Butterflies?

Getting Started:Calculating biomass We need to calculate the biomass of the plants Painted Lady larvae feed on. To do this

we will mass 10 leaves (individually) then dry them in individual foil boats in a drying oven for 48 hours. Remass individually after drying, then pool data for the 10 leaves. Although this data may have been collected by another block, you will need to record it and calculate in your journal. The first and last columns have been left for you to see how to calculate the NPP for the terrestrial plant. Unfortunately we do not have enough plants to sacrifice for this calculation. This calculation can be done at different days to compare NPP in plants at different points in their life cycle. Biomass of Coleus Leaves Plant Age Wet mass/10 leaves Dry mass/10 leaves Percent biomass Energy (g biomass x 4.35 kcal)/leaf) Net Primary Productivity per plant per day N/A

N/A

Calculate the standard deviation and standard error for the wet and dry leaf masses. Explain the significance of these calculations.

Painted Lady Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis. The stages may be seen below.

3rd, 2nd, 1st instar http://mybutterflyguide.com/My_Butterfly_Guide/Painted_Lady.html

4th instar

learnaboutpaintedladies.com Procedure: 1.Each group will maintain a group notebook. This type of notebook does not leave the lab. Be sure to transfer all data to your individual journal as well. Good records are critical. Any of our data may be harvested by AP Statistics! The data from the project will also be maintained in a google spreadsheet. Data Redundancy
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Group notebook (stays with project) Individual journal (goes with you) Project google spreadsheet

2. Each group (5 groups, 2-3 classes per group) will raise the 1st instar larvae. Set-up larvae.
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The larvae provided for your class should be divided in two groups. One group will be raised at ambient temperature and the second at a higher temperature reflecting global warming. Larvae will be separated randomly. The available food needs to be separated into 80 feeding cups. The food will be microwaved for 15 seconds then pressed into the cup to form a flat surface for data collection. Add 2 moving larvae per cup. Non moving larvae are probably molting (going to the next instar) and should not be disturbed. Try to identify the instar (refer to pictures) for the two butterflies in each cups. Record.

4. We need to collect data which would allow a calculation of rate. Since we are not going to remove the 1st-3rd instars from their food (for instance for massing) length seems like a workable system. Each day the group should examine and make notes on the condition of the larvae.
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Take a photograph. Process in a program like Image J. Usually we need a ruler in the picture but in place of a ruler you can use the width of the food cup. The photograph must have the cup number/date/time. The photo should be saved for backup.

You need to record not only the date but the time of data collection for a valid rate.

5. Watch for the emergence of the 4th instar.

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Record this date/time. At this time the larvae will be removed from the packaged food and begun on a different diet. They must receive a massed volume of leaves. The 4th instars will be maintained in a liter beaker with a press and seal lid for three days. Place a piece of filter paper over the opening before adding the press and seal. Poke several holes through both. Leave for three days.

You will compare the masses within the system containing the 4th instar at the beginning and after three days. Be sure to record and account for each of the following masses (before and after).
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Wet mass of plant leaves added. Wet mass of the 4th instar larvae. Frass mass (after only).

6. After three days the larvae will probably be close to forming the chrysalis. All students can monitor the colony looking for the beginning of the chrysalis. One of our objectives has to do with the length of the pupa (chrysalis) stage. The date and time of emergence should be recorded by any observer in the group notebook. More Information: http://pk-photography.blogspot.com/2010/12/painted-lady-butterfly-life-cycle.html http://mybutterflyguide.com/My_Butterfly_Guide/Painted_Lady.html