Ant lions & ants: predators and prey (12 minutes) -- Ants & aphids: a symbiotic relationship (12 minutes) -- Aquatic insects: larvae to adults (12 minutes) -- Bees: one big family (12 minutes) -- Bees: social or solitary insect? (12 minutes).
Summary:
Ant lions & ants: predators and prey: Doodlebugs are the larvae of the adult ant lion. These fierce predators hide under the sand and make unique traps in which to catch their prey. Witness the capture of an ant and how a wily spider is able to escape. Watch wood ants as they forage and hunt, bringing wood and food back to their nest. The characteristics of ants and the roles of the ant workers are described. Ants & aphids: a symbiotic relationship: One of the most unique relationships in the insect world is revealed in this program. Aphids, or greenflies, suck the sap of plants and excrete a substance called honeydew. Ants use the honeydew as food and therefore protect the "herd" of greenflies from a variety of predators. Students will see a greenfly give birth to its young, miniature replicas of the parent, and how ants care for their young as larvae. Aquatic insects: larvae to adults: Most insects begin life as eggs that hatch into larvae. In this program, two examples of aquatic larvae are shown: the stonefly and the spotted water beetle. These larvae are fierce hunters while in their nymph stage. Both types transform into adults that look very different from their larvae forms. Each type of adult is seen as it hunts or lays eggs. Bees: one big family: Viewers will see many bees collecting nectar and pollen from a variety of different flowers. The roles and duties of the different bees in this society are shown and explained, as are the differences between pollen and nectar. Bees are shown caring for the hive and watching over the developing larvae. As the baby bees emerge, instinct drives them to perform their duty for the hive. Bees: social or solitary insect?: This program compares social bees with solitary bees. Bumblebees are shown gathering pollen and building their nests, and some of their characteristics are contrasted with those of honeybees. Students will learn about the different roles that bumblebees have in their societies. The red mason bee is a solitary bee that goes to great lengths to camouflage the nests where individual eggs are laid.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.