Insect aerial surveillance using yellow pans
In South Auckland, the COMET Auckland-led Auckland STEM Alliance is spearheading an innovative pilot project, involving students in the monitoring of local insect populations using yellow pan traps. This initiative, part of the Curious Minds government programme, aims to encourage and support science and technology solutions.
Yellow pan traps work by exploiting the attraction of many flying insects to the colour yellow. These simple yet effective traps, consisting of shallow yellow-coloured pans filled with water and detergent, provide a passive means of collecting and monitoring insect populations in the area. The attraction is based on insects’ natural tendencies to seek out yellow, often signalling flowers or feeding opportunities.
However, ethical considerations must be taken into account when using these traps. Non-target capture and mortality, minimising harm, using traps for monitoring rather than control, and considering alternative monitoring methods are all crucial factors to consider. The goal is to ensure that the use of yellow pan traps does not result in unnecessary harm to non-target and beneficial insect species.
The Buzz In the Garden project, part of the Participatory Science Platform programme, is engaging students in this activity. By using yellow pan traps, students are not only learning about surface tension and invertebrates but also practicing the science capability 'Critique evidence'. Resources for learning more about these topics, such as the "We love bugs!" Pinterest board and Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research's guide called "What is this bug?" for common invertebrates of New Zealand, are readily available.
The South Auckland pilot of the PSP was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Students collect and record data about the types and numbers of insects caught in the traps, contributing to a better understanding of local insect populations. An identification sheet is used to name common insects, while the New Zealand Entomological Society's website offers further resources for those interested in learning more about entomology.
This initiative aligns with the national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, which encourages the public to engage with science and technology. By participating in projects like this, students are not only learning valuable scientific skills but also contributing to a greater understanding of their local environment.
- Integrating science into health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, the Buzz In the Garden project utilizes yellow pan traps to educate students about invertebrates, critiquing evidence, and surface tension, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of local insect populations.
- Acknowledging ethical concerns, the Auckland STEM Alliance initiative emphasizes the importance of minimizing harm to non-target and beneficial insect species while using yellow pan traps for monitoring purposes, supporting science and technology solutions.
- By connecting science to fitness-and-exercise, students partaking in the South Auckland pilot become active contributors to learning, enriching their local environment, and adhering to the national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, which encourages public engagement with science and technology.
