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Milkweed bugs are aposematically colored, with orange and black on their forewings, and the degree of both colors varies among individuals. Despite the attention given to the warning nature of this color, there has been little research directed at this variation. In this study, the subtle variation in wing colors of one species of milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug) was measured to determine if the color variation was related to sex or body size. Fifty-eight bugs were hand-collected at three sites in northeast Georgia, and their wings scanned using a slide scanner and measured digitally using image analysis software. Wings of females were larger than those of males in general, and the color analyses showed statistically significant differences in wing hue between males and females. Females also had darker black wing sections than males, which could be evidence of a sex-related difference in immune function. Regardless of sex, wings of larger bugs; had deeper orange color and darker black, which may increase the aposematic contrast. Finally, several differences in wing color were found between sites, suggesting either site-level variation in host-plant quality or relatedness among individuals within sites. This study is the first to quantify in detail the wing colors of milkweed bugs and forms the basis for future research into this little-studied aspect of this insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that investigated three ways of counting migrating monarch butterflies in varying wind conditions. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

Presents a study that analyzed the migration of Blackpoll Warbler from New England and Atlantic Canada to South America. Instrument used to detect the migration of landbirds over the Atlantic coast; Information on the deposition of fats by Blackpoll Warblers; Significance of understanding the migration strategies of long-distance migrants such as Blackpoll Warblers.