Ladybugs and the Amazing Technicolor Test Tube

Overview

Objectives/Goals This experiment tested ladybugs for preference of color and light. Methods/Materials There were four experiments. One tested for red, yellow, or blue preference. The others tested between blue and dark, blue and light, and light and dark. The experiment tubes were covered with either colored cellophane or construction paper. Six ladybugs were placed in each tube for ten minutes. At the end of the ten-minute period, results were recorded and the ladybugs were transferred to the next experiment tube. A total of 180 ladybugs were tested. Results The results showed no preference between the colors red and blue, nor between blue and dark. There was a slight difference between light and dark, but the difference was not significant enough to establish a preference. There was only one test where ladybugs were found twice as much in blue than in light. Conclusions/Discussion What can be concluded is that ladybugs do not show a consistent preference for colors. This proves the hypothesis incorrect. The original prediction was that the ladybugs would prefer the color blue because the research stated that they are colorblind to red and yellow.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Zoology · Entry J1902

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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