As a learner what did I realize about myself? I know that I am not that creative but since I am interested in finding out about Rhino beetles and so with the different insects, I learned that I can be one, and show my curiosity by learning about them. Aside from knowing the information about their life cycle, I learned that I can be very caring about other living things and be respecting about nature. During the PYPx staging, I found out that I can be an engaging person because I was able to share the knowledge about beetles. I told visitors what do Rhino beetles’ eat, how do they live, and show how to properly care for them. Unfortunately, I was not able to talk about with my visitors about their life cycle because I forgot to talk about them. I felt that time that I was able to tell all the details about the Rhino beetles. Throughout the PYPx staging, I was able to develop appreciation, creativity, and respect. On the other hand, the skills that I have developed are time management and accepting responsibility. I believe I had acquisition of knowledge because I need to learn more about taking care of beetles. Finally, I know I have been successful as a learner because I learned so many things, and I was able to share this knowledge with my visitors who were curious as well. My Artist Statement (Screenshot) My photo from staging #SD UoI #Reflection #Appreciation
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Did you know that beetles can lift 850 times its own weight? When I started my self-directed unit of inquiry, I was interested in learning about insects specifically about Rhino Beetles. I looked for more information about its life cycle. Then, I also looked into their habits, body parts, and what food to give. Aside from that, I researched on how to build their house and the materials that I need to build their terrarium. Since my PYPx staging piece was an ecosystem, I kept on learning new things about different species of Rhino Beetle. For example, I had a Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, and now I have Caucasus Beetle, and I am still learning about them. I can say that I am proud of myself because PYPx was the only chance to speak about yourself and what you are interested in. I will continue on learning about insects and record a video when I am also at home. Lastly, I am also going to make a blog about them. #SD UOI #Success #Insect
Before rhinoceros beetles reach their famously large size, they go through several stages of development. Successfully raising these beetles as pets means understanding their four life stages and providing them with the specific care they need during each of these stages. Right now, my insect farm has 10 grubs. They measure approximately five inches. These grubs will eventually turn into an adult beetles. Stage 2: Larvae or Grub Looking back from my previous post, after the eggs hatch, the stage 2 of Rhino Beetles life cycle is called larvae or grub. This stage actually includes three substages known as instar and referred to as L1, L2 and L3. Instar is a period between molts that insects experience as they grow. During all of these substages, the beetle grubs will look similar to maggots or other insect larvae. However, the larvae will grow larger during each molt. If you want the larvae to thrive, separate the males and females as soon as possible. During the L2 substage, you will be able to see a dent on the underside of male grubs that is not present on the females. If you wait until the third instar, you will notice a size difference between the males and females. At this substage, male larvae can weigh around 3.5 ounces while females weigh less than 2.8 ounces. During the larval stage, you will need to replace the compost or top soil because the beetles will use the material for food. Place rotting branches or other vegetation in the container with the larvae so they can use these items for food as well. The soil replacement should be done every six months during this stage. The larval process is slow for rhinoceros beetles. Depending on the specific species of rhinoceros beetle you are raising and the sex of the grub, your beetles may not enter their next life stage for 12 to 18 months. Credits: http://animals.mom.me/rhinoceros-beetle-life-cycle-5031024.html Rhino Beetle Grubs - Setting them up Credits: Miss Phantom Fangs One thing I learned about having Rhino beetles as my pet, is to show what qualities I have as a responsible pet owner. Since we are now at the stage of 2 of the beetle’s life cycle, I have to know how to care for them by choosing the proper shelter and food for them to grow healthy. #SD UoI #Research Skills #STP #Grubs #Curiosity #Caring What are earwigs? Does it harm my Rhino Beetles farm? This morning, I found an earwig together with my insect farm. Latin Name: Order Dermaptera
Appearance What do they look like? Forceps Earwigs are odd looking insects which have pincers or forceps protruding from the abdomen. These are somewhat intimidating looking but they are not poisonous, and they do not spread disease. Size Depending on the species, adults range in size from 5-25 mm. Wings They are slender insects with two pair of wings. Dermaptera means “skin wing” due to the leathery appearance of the wings. The hind wings typically fold under the front wings. Do earwigs fly? Facts What is an Earwig? There are more than twenty species of earwigs in the United States. Some species produce a foul smelling liquid that they use for defense. Earwigs also produce a pheromone (scent). Scientists believe that this pheromone is the reason that earwigs cluster together in large numbers. There is a superstition that earwigs burrow into the ears of people while they sleep. This is a myth and without any scientific basis. Earwigs frighten many people because of the pincers on the back of their abdomens. Earwigs use these pincers for defense and for sparing with rival earwigs. Where do they live? As with any other type of insect with multiple species, biology and habits vary. Most types of earwigs generally prefer wet areas which are cooler and undisturbed. Earwigs can be a serious garden pest if conditions are right. If there is adequate ground cover, wet soil, and food, the earwigs will do well. Diet Earwigs typically feed on live sprouts or decaying vegetation and, in rare cases, some species are predators. Move quickly Earwigs are relatively fast moving. They run away quickly when the ground litter is moved, uncovering them. Nocturnal Earwigs are active at night. During the day they hide in cracks in damp areas. They live under rocks and logs and in mulch in flowerbeds. Earwigs eat plants and insects. Attracted to lighting Earwigs are attracted to lights. They can become a nuisance on porches and patios on summer evenings. In the morning they will be gathered under things like cushions that were left outside overnight. How Did I Get Earwigs?Earwigs move into homes to find food or because of a change in weather.They usually wind up indoors while seeking shelter or just happen to wander inside through open doors. Earwigs prefer cool, damp areas and may enter homes during extended dry periods. With all the information I have right now, I have learned that earwigs are not harmful to humans and to my insect farm. Credits: https://www.orkin.com/other/earwigs/ https://pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/earwigs/ #SD UoI #Learner Profile #Purpose #Motivation The first insect farm I have is made of 17 cm x 29 cm clear plastic box with a lid. It has small holes on all sides of its lid. The holes are for ventilation and to control humidity in the box. I filled it with 4 cm thick compost soil and placed 2 small rotten logs, which my dad's friend brought all the way from Korea. The logs are good for the beetles to walk on or hide. I then put 4 grubs that I got from the compost pit at school. I feed my grubs with a specific jelly food that my dad also orders from Korea. There is also a special wooden container for the jelly tubs on the left side of my insect farm. My second Rhino Beetle House is a 40 cm x 68 cm small plastic bathtub. It is actually a lot bigger than my first one. I covered it with cling wrap and just made small openings for ventilation. The soil is also 4 cm deep. There are 7 grubs now living in it. I also got the grubs from our school's compost pit. For my next plan is to get more stag beetles. #SD UOI #Insect farm #Success
In doing this insect farm design, one of my challenges is to look for a lot of different designs and then, decide on which one is the most appealing design for me. The inspiration that I have in drawing my insect farm is like a spider enclosure that has holes in every side. I also learned that I have to be patient and creative especially in drawing. Another attitude that I have identified is that I have to be motivated so that I could finish the task on time.
#SD UOI#LearnerProfile #insectfarm Materials needed for setting up a house of a Rhino Beetle
Decaying/rotting hardwood/coconut husk Small wooden box (vivarium)/plastic container Soil/sawdust fruit and Food scrap Male vs Female Male Female Differences between the Male and Female Rhino Beetles: MALE
FEMALE
Interesting Facts
First, after rhino beetles mate, it will take 12 days before it lays eggs. Second, eggs will be hatched and become a 1st instar grub after 19 days. Third, it will become a 2nd instar grub after 21 days. Fourth, it will become a 3rd instar grub after 32 days, Fifth, it turns into pupa after 20 days and lastly, it will become an adult rhino beetle after 95 days. UPDATE! Dear readers, here is an update of my unique pet, Rhino Beetle. March 14, 2018, I believe, is my lucky day! You want to know why? Because I found a LARVA! I found it in our school playground. We dug it out from the ground using a shovel with the help of my friend Nhat Quang. I was inspired to do it right away because this will be my next UOI project. For my next step, I want to study about Stag Beetles. Here is a photo of the larva I found. :) Watch out for more of my updates. Here is my plan in preparing an insect farm for the Rhino Beetles. It will be shown to the public at ISHCMC Primary campus. I will be posting the design and list the materials soon. My Rhino Beetle Houses
My first one is a 17cm x 29 cm clear plastic box with a lid. It has small holes on all sides and on its lid. The holes are for ventilation and to control humidity in the box. I filled it with 4 cm thick compost soil and placed 2 small rotten logs, which my dad's friend brought all the way from Korea. The logs are good for the beetles to walk on or hide. I then put 4 grubs that I got from the compost pit at school. I feed my grubs with a specific jelly food that my dad also orders from Korea. My second Rhino Beetle House is a 40 cm x 68 cm small plastic bathtub. It is actually a lot bigger than my first one. I covered it with cling wrap and just made a small opening for ventilation. The soil is also 4 cm deep. There are 7 grubs now living in it. I also got the grubs from our school's compost pit. I will post the pictures tomorrow. |
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