By Scout Nelson
The Agroecosystems Entomology Lab at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center refreshed an aging insect display at the Nebraska Game and Parks office in North Platte. The updated display provided visitors with a more appealing and comprehensive look at the various insect ecosystems found in Nebraska.
The project began when a West Central staff member noticed the deterioration of the existing display over time during a visit to the office to purchase park permits.
“We have a moth here in Nebraska called the luna moth that is usually lime green in color, but it was completely white in the display,” Lloyd said.
After recognizing the condition of the exhibit, the staff member contacted Nebraska Game and Parks to discuss the possibility of updating it. With approval from the agency, the Agroecosystems Entomology Lab began working on refreshing the display using a combination of existing and newly collected insect specimens.
Insects from the original exhibit were reused whenever possible. Additional specimens were collected using blacklight traps that are typically used for research activities. Once a diverse selection of insects was gathered, students and lab members carefully prepared and pinned each specimen for display.
“To properly pin insects, it depends on the species you are pinning,” said Mizanur Rahman, a member of the entomology lab. “First, you have to collect the insect, kill it by putting it in the freezer or through another method, and then finally you pin the insect according to the protocol for that species.”
The refreshed display also features a creative design element shaped like the state of Nebraska. Scarab beetles were arranged to form the state outline while a western bean cutworm moth marks the location of North Platte. This insect was selected to highlight its significance to corn production in the region where infestations can result in economic losses.
The completed exhibit allows visitors to view Nebraska’s insect diversity in a single educational display made possible through collaboration between the entomology lab and Nebraska Game and Parks.
“It never hurts to collaborate with the local community and to show them what we are doing to support agriculture and the North Platte area,” Lloyd said.
Photo Credit: istock-herreid
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General