September 19th, 2016

Today was day 1 of a citizen science project from the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario based at the University of Guelph.  The School Malaise Trap Program (SMTP) gives the opportunity for schools and nature centres to gather data on the arthropod diversity in their area.  Laurel Creek and Camp Heidelberg are also using Malaise Traps to collect samples over the next two weeks.

I’d never set up a Malaise Trap before so I was excited to give it a go.

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How does the trap work?  SMTP provides the following explanation:

“When insects encounter the black mesh panel, most will naturally go up towards the white coloured roof in an attempt to escape. The insects are directed to the apex of the trap (trap head) where they encounter a collection bottle and become permanently trapped. The collection bottle is filled with ethanol to preserve the organisms and their DNA.”

After two weeks we will send the sample bottles back to the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario.  In the lab researchers will separate specimens and run a DNA analysis on each one.  Click here to learn more about DNA barcoding.  When data from all of the specimens is compiled, we will have a valuable catalogue of the arthropod species present in our meadow at Blair Outdoor Education Centre.  We will have a better understanding of what species are most abundant in our nearby nature, and which species are less common.  Students participating in the biodiversity field trip at Blair will benefit from this data and that of previous years.

I am looking forward to comparing notes with Lindsay (Laurel Creek) and Al (Camp Heidelberg) to see which species are common across all three sites and which ones showed up only at Blair.

Thanks to the School Malaise Trap Program for providing students in Waterloo Region District School Board with this very special opportunity.  Thank you especially to Dirk Steinke, Vanessa Breton and Admiral Ackbar.