The Rate of Locomotion dependence on hind leg length and body mass for the Tenebrio molitor beetle.
The Rate of Locomotion dependence on hind leg length and body mass for the Tenebrio molitor beetle.
Abstract
The effects of leg length and body mass on the Tenebrio Molitor’s rate of locomotion were investigated under laboratory conditions. The performance (running speed) was accessed for 37 Tenebrio molitor with different hind leg lengths and body masses. Running speed is important for a variety of activities (e.g. searching for prey and mates, dispersal, etc.). Therefore, increased performance of running speed is likely to enhance fitness providing a greater chance at survival. With a measuring clasp the body mass, leg length, body lengths were determined. Room temperature was recorded at 27°C using a thermocouple connected to a thermometer. The Beetles were placed in a petri dish and left to incubate until they were calmer and familiar with their surroundings. Their running speed was then determined over a 30 second period using a stopwatch. Our aim was to investigate the question: What effect does different hind leg lengths and body masses have on the running speed of the Tenebrio Molitor. We hypothesised that: (a) beetles with longer legs will run faster then species with a shorter leg length, (b) heavier beetles will run slower then lighter beetles.
Results indicate both hind leg length and body mass positively and linearly affect the running speed of the beetles. Therefore a heavier beetle with a longer hind leg will run faster then a lighter beetle with shorter hind legs, dismissing our hypothesis (b) that a heavier body mass will result in a slower running speed.
1. INTRODUCTION
Also known as yellow mealworms, the Tenebrio Molitor is a scavengers and are among the largest insects that infest stored products(Benette 2003). A less noticeable yet dissimilar trait of the Tenebrio molitor is that it has only four tarsal segments on its hind legs, as opposed to the five that most ground beetles possess. This
Abstract
The effects of leg length and body mass on the Tenebrio Molitor’s rate of locomotion were investigated under laboratory conditions. The performance (running speed) was accessed for 37 Tenebrio molitor with different hind leg lengths and body masses. Running speed is important for a variety of activities (e.g. searching for prey and mates, dispersal, etc.). Therefore, increased performance of running speed is likely to enhance fitness providing a greater chance at survival. With a measuring clasp the body mass, leg length, body lengths were determined. Room temperature was recorded at 27°C using a thermocouple connected to a thermometer. The Beetles were placed in a petri dish and left to incubate until they were calmer and familiar with their surroundings. Their running speed was then determined over a 30 second period using a stopwatch. Our aim was to investigate the question: What effect does different hind leg lengths and body masses have on the running speed of the Tenebrio Molitor. We hypothesised that: (a) beetles with longer legs will run faster then species with a shorter leg length, (b) heavier beetles will run slower then lighter beetles.
Results indicate both hind leg length and body mass positively and linearly affect the running speed of the beetles. Therefore a heavier beetle with a longer hind leg will run faster then a lighter beetle with shorter hind legs, dismissing our hypothesis (b) that a heavier body mass will result in a slower running speed.
1. INTRODUCTION
Also known as yellow mealworms, the Tenebrio Molitor is a scavengers and are among the largest insects that infest stored products(Benette 2003). A less noticeable yet dissimilar trait of the Tenebrio molitor is that it has only four tarsal segments on its hind legs, as opposed to the five that most ground beetles possess. This