Effectiveness of Marking Millipedes with Fluorescent Powder
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Bruce Snyder
Abstract
Compared to knowledge on other animals, including in the field of entomology, knowledge of millipede range and movement is limited. No effective method of marking millipedes has been developed, making it impossible to track individuals, determine species ranges, perform mark-recapture studies, and so much more. Markers and paint rub off of millipedes’ smooth tergites, especially as they rub their bodies against surfaces, and substances like nail polish are toxic for these animals. Millipedes, even larger species, are too small to carry transmitters or other marking objects. Some millipedes, especially in the order Polydesmida, are naturally fluorescent under a black light, but there is no way to differentiate individuals from one another. Fluorescent UV powder has been used to mark insects. This powder is extremely fine and easily sticks to surfaces, has shown to be nontoxic, shows up well under UV lights, and is easily available in a variety of colors. This study examines the effectiveness in using fluorescent UV powder in millipede marking and its effect on millipede mortality. We ran a three-week study to test mortality and the durability of fluorescent powder on ten individuals of Ptyoiulus (Julida: Parajulidae), with ten individuals used as a control. Although some powder came off due to abrasion and moisture, it remained apparent in crevices on legs. Marking also had no impact on survival and behavior. From these results, fluorescent powder shows potential as an effective marking method for millipedes and other arthropods, allowing us to expand our knowledge about the natural world.
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Effectiveness of Marking Millipedes with Fluorescent Powder
Magnolia Ballroom
Compared to knowledge on other animals, including in the field of entomology, knowledge of millipede range and movement is limited. No effective method of marking millipedes has been developed, making it impossible to track individuals, determine species ranges, perform mark-recapture studies, and so much more. Markers and paint rub off of millipedes’ smooth tergites, especially as they rub their bodies against surfaces, and substances like nail polish are toxic for these animals. Millipedes, even larger species, are too small to carry transmitters or other marking objects. Some millipedes, especially in the order Polydesmida, are naturally fluorescent under a black light, but there is no way to differentiate individuals from one another. Fluorescent UV powder has been used to mark insects. This powder is extremely fine and easily sticks to surfaces, has shown to be nontoxic, shows up well under UV lights, and is easily available in a variety of colors. This study examines the effectiveness in using fluorescent UV powder in millipede marking and its effect on millipede mortality. We ran a three-week study to test mortality and the durability of fluorescent powder on ten individuals of Ptyoiulus (Julida: Parajulidae), with ten individuals used as a control. Although some powder came off due to abrasion and moisture, it remained apparent in crevices on legs. Marking also had no impact on survival and behavior. From these results, fluorescent powder shows potential as an effective marking method for millipedes and other arthropods, allowing us to expand our knowledge about the natural world.