Elusive 9-spotted ladybug discovered in our very own Summit Campus wetlands? That’s exactly what eSTEM sophomore Federick Leatherwood and his fellow classmates were trying to discover last week.
As part of a joint initiative with Cornell University, 4-H, and the National Science Foundation, eSTEM biology students took part in the “The Lost Ladybug Project” – a nationwide field study.
The study, originally started in 2000, has grown to include school students across the country in a multi-purpose mission: to increase the number of specimens collected and to teach the process of biological field study in students.
Part of that study involved finding the Coccinella novenmotata or 9-spotted ladybug. “It was at once thought to be extinct as a result of climate change, other invasive species moving through the United States, climate change, and changes in land use,” explains eSTEM biology teacher Andrea Callicoat.All eSTEM biology students with Mrs. Callicoat and Mr. Ladowitz took part in the study. They collected ladybugs in and around the wetlands at Summit Campus. “They found many ladybugs, photographed them, and submitted the photos to the Cornell study, “Andrea Callicoat said.
As of September 22nd as many of 34,225 ladybug photos and documentation have been submitted to Cornell from students across the country for this study.
Many species of insects were found by eSTEM students, but unfortunately the 9-spotted ladybug was not among those found. So far this particular ladybug has not been reported around the State of Ohio or surrounding states.
Students still had a great time learning and participating in this nationwide biological field study.
This study allowed students “to gain a better understanding of biodiversity, conservation of wildlife, and the essential role of these particular insects in the balance of nature, Andrea Callicoat said.
Learn more about
“The Lost Ladybug Project”