Insect Keys

Wang, Weizhe; Wang, Kejia; Van Steyn, Jacob; Saduakas, Arman

Student Work

Insect Keys

Public Deposited

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), or light pollution, is increasingly prominent in modern society. Many scientists suspect that ALAN is a cause of the decline of the insect population. To understand it further, it is necessary to acquire data on the specific insects attracted to the streetlights. Working with the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), we created a dichotomous key for insect identification. Using this key, we developed an interactive mobile and desktop application for citizen scientists. We then conducted three rounds of user testing to improve upon the accuracy and efficiency of both the dichotomous key and the applications. Afterwards, we integrated a data entry feature for the professional scientists to digitize and simplify their entry process. Using our applications, the AuBe project at the IGB will be able to identify insect orders much more efficiently, thereby collecting more of the necessary data. This data will enable scientists to conduct a comparative study to test their hypothesis about the relative importance of ALAN to insect health.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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