Post date: Apr 26, 2017 2:8:7 PM
We began the desiccation experiments to complement the CHC data. Caterpillars were reared as described for the CHC experiments and the detailed information on hatching, survival, etc. is here.
The desiccation experiments will occur on three days (at 14 days age for three cohorts of caterpillars). All trials will start at 7:00. Weights will be taken every 1.5 hours (8:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30). At each of these time points caterpillars are removed from the desiccating conditions and weighed on a Mettler Toledo XPE105DR to the nearest 0.01 mg. Then, exactly 30 minutes later, all caterpillars are returned to the lights for an hour of desiccation. Desiccation is achieved by placing the caterpillars in empty Petri dishes under lights (four 65 w 510 lumen indoor floodlights from GE) (randomizing position every 1.5 hours). In addition to weight, time of death (at 1.5 hour intervals) is recorded.
Here is the data sheet: Desiccation data
I am also recording the temperature and RH under the lights every 1.5 hours with a AcuRite digital thermometer. These data are here.