How Do You Estimate The Wing Beat Frequency Of An Insect Using A Strobe Light?
Ever wonder how fast an insect beats its wings? Do you want to show your friend that insects don’t actually “flap” their wings? Find out by doing this science project and watching an insect beat its wings in slow motion. Capture a flying insect such as a housefly; if you are experienced with handling insects, a bumble bee is also a good choice. Do this very carefully, using a jam jar or small insect net. Insect wings and legs are very fragile, so do not pick them up by these parts. Put a small ball of prestick on the end of the dowel. Push down on it a little to make sure it is in place. While the insect is in the jar, gently stick the prestick end of the dowel to the abdomen of the insect while holding the insect at one end of the jar with forceps (not tweezers, which are sharp). When stuck to the dowel, the insect will beat its wings because its feet are not touching a surface. Turn off the lights in the room and turn on the strobe light. Adjust the setting on the light until it look
