Feeding Response to Grooved and Scented 3D Printed Flowers by Vanessa cardui
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
The proboscis of fluid feeding insects is a potential source of engineering innovation to expand capabilities for handling small volumes of liquid, particularly in medicine. Observation of the proboscis in the wild is extremely challenging. The goal of this project was to develop an artificial flower for controlled feeding conditions and observation in the lab. With successful feeding from an artificial flower, we could track the fluid flow and determine how the physical characteristics of the proboscis relate to fluid movement. We evaluated how flower characteristics impact feeding using an artificial flower. The final 3D printed flowers were based on an origami model. We hypothesized that flowers with grooves would improve the ability Vanessa cardui had to find the nectar. Similarly, we hypothesized that scented flowers would be more attractive for feeding. We observed and timed the butterflies visiting and feeding from randomized flowers. We however found no significant difference between grooved and smooth flowers or scented and unscented flowers. These results suggest that a simple, artificial flower design may be effective or that other natural flower characteristics need to be incorporated.
Recommended Citation
Brinson, Samantha and Beatriz, Jonathan, "Feeding Response to Grooved and Scented 3D Printed Flowers by Vanessa cardui" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 100.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/100
Location
Neville 122
Start Date
4-14-2018 11:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Feeding Response to Grooved and Scented 3D Printed Flowers by Vanessa cardui
Neville 122
The proboscis of fluid feeding insects is a potential source of engineering innovation to expand capabilities for handling small volumes of liquid, particularly in medicine. Observation of the proboscis in the wild is extremely challenging. The goal of this project was to develop an artificial flower for controlled feeding conditions and observation in the lab. With successful feeding from an artificial flower, we could track the fluid flow and determine how the physical characteristics of the proboscis relate to fluid movement. We evaluated how flower characteristics impact feeding using an artificial flower. The final 3D printed flowers were based on an origami model. We hypothesized that flowers with grooves would improve the ability Vanessa cardui had to find the nectar. Similarly, we hypothesized that scented flowers would be more attractive for feeding. We observed and timed the butterflies visiting and feeding from randomized flowers. We however found no significant difference between grooved and smooth flowers or scented and unscented flowers. These results suggest that a simple, artificial flower design may be effective or that other natural flower characteristics need to be incorporated.
