On Friday, December 13, Hannah Broeckx won the poster prize during the annual Entomology Day organized by the Netherlands Entomological Society (NEV). Entomology Day is an event dedicated to the study of insects, known as entomology. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge and insights about insects and their role in nature and society. This annual gathering attracts a diverse audience of entomologists, scientists, students, and industry representatives.
The Award
The prize was awarded based on a combination of public votes and a jury’s assessment. The evaluation criteria included the visual presentation, the clarity of the message, and the accessibility of the information conveyed.
The Winning Poster
Hannah Broeckx’s research focused on the impact of light pollution (1.5 lux) on the behavior of three caterpillar species: the nocturnal, camouflaged Mamestra brassicae, the diurnal, camouflaged Pieris napi, and the diurnal, conspicuous Pieris brassicae.
Key Findings:
- Camouflaged caterpillars were primarily active at night, while the conspicuous Pieris brassicae was mainly active during the day.
- Under artificial light at night:
- Pieris brassicae more frequently exposed itself on the tops of leaves.
- Pieris napi showed increased activity.
- Mamestra brassicae became less active and sought shelter on the underside of leaves.
- All three species exhibited an increase in nocturnal feeding under weak artificial lighting.
These findings demonstrate that even minimal artificial lighting at night can significantly alter caterpillar behavior, potentially affecting their fitness and ecological interactions. The research underscores the importance of raising awareness about light pollution and its impact on ecosystems.
About Entomology Day
Entomology Day is an annual event organized by the NEV, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge on a wide range of topics within the field of entomology.
Winning the poster prize is a remarkable recognition of Hannah Broeckx’s research. Congratulations!
