Date of Award
5-1974
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Biology
First Reader
Dr. Joe Jeffers
Abstract
Object: To determine the sensitivity of insects to ultraviolet light and also to verify their response to varying intensities of white light.
Theory: Insects are generally sensitivity to light of any wave-length. Some insects' reactions are due to the response of specialized epidermal cells whereas the center of most response is in the compound eye. The reaction is generally thought to be due to an electro-chemical reaction within the light sensitive cells of the compound eye, i.e. mainly the cells of the crystalline cone and the rhabdomere. Insects tend to react more strongly to light in the ultraviolet region although the mechanism(s) which cause this reaction have not been established.
It has been observed experimentally that the magnitude of the insects' response to white light is directly proportional to the intensity of the light. The actual cause of this response has also not been determined.
Apparatus: Diagrams of the apparatus used are on the following page.
Recommended Citation
Matthews, Tim, "Response of Insects to U.V. Light and Varying Intensities of White Light" (1974). Honors Theses. 549.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/549