Great suggestion by Malcom and Brad. Never crossed my mind. A couple of issues and this can be overcome, and possibly to some other issues for your Students Aaron. Am not expert on the idenification of Dragon Fly larvae. Collecting the ones you want will be an issue, as well as collecting. The latter is simple if you have streams, etc. in the neighborhood.
Raising them to adult-hood is not so difficult. Quite efficient Predators in this stage of life as you have seen I'm sure? So, a couple of up-hill battles here, both of which could be great? Should you be using Stoneflies? in your study, that is something quite different. Another amazing Insect btw. You probably have the book by Pennack on Inverts. Cost me 50.00 some years ago, but have seen it on Amazon for something like 5.00. Also, a short booklet on Insects East of the Mississippi out of U. of Wisconsin that is also outstanding. Thank you. Mike Nolan I had the same thought as Malcolm. I had A. junius metamorphose in 120 ml cups of water; just make sure they have good sturdy twigs to climb out on (some tried hanging on to the sides of the cup and ending up falling off and failing to emerge completely). Definitely avoid group-housing them. The nymphs must occur at much higher densities than the adults in the field, due to the limited space of the aquatic environment versus the open air and the numbers that are predated as adults. Also easier to catch and much less delicate. If you decide to go the shotgun route, I insist you make a video of this and share it with us ... Brad Carlson On Mon, Jun 18, 2012 at 10:52 AM, malcolm McCallum < [email protected]> wrote: > why not collect the nymphs and then raise 'em up. Dragonfly nymphs can > be raised individually in cups and then fed crickets fairly easily. > Changing the water daily is worst part. You could also raise them in > a communal aquarium, but canibalism could be a problem! ---------- If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, best time to return your call and/or your e-mail address. After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. Sincerely, J. Michael Nolan, Director Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit ************************************************************************************************** "Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology" "Spanish/Cultural Immersion Programs: Spain, Mexico, Central and South America" Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit 161 Main St. Coopersville, MI 49404 Local/International Phone: 1.616.604.0546 Toll Free U.S. and Canada: 1.877.255.3721 Fax: 1.616.604.0546 Google Talk/MS IM/Skype: travelwithrandr AOL IM: buddythemacaw E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Note: Please send inquiries to both e-mail addresses Web: http://rainforestandreef.org (under revision for 2012) **************************************************************************************************
