Written by: Denise Woofter (dcw002@marietta.edu)
On the evening of October 3rd, the Biology Department took their annual night hike to the Barbra A. Bieser field station. At 6:30 p.m. students met with Professor White in the Hermann parking lot before starting their journey.
After carpooling to the field station, the hiking group met up with Dr. McShaffrey and Dr. Mills. The pair were standing next to a white tent that was open on two sides. The tent had multiple lights pointing towards it. Dr. McShaffrey explained that the tent was a tactic that would be used later in the night to attract moths as well as other insects.
After explaining some safety rules such as staying in the group and being cautious of ticks, the group were off. Armed only with ultraviolet flashlights and a curiosity for nature, the search began for fluorescent organisms.
It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, but once adjusted, finding the glowing organisms fueled their curious spirits. Some fluorescent creatures that were discovered were millipedes, spiders, lichen, and many species of fungi. In particular, the students found that the millipedes released a scent very similar to cherries.
Eventually, the professors and hikers made it to a clearing in the trees where they could see the sky. The clear sky and lack of light pollution allowed for a breathtaking view of the stars. Constellations such as Cassiopeia were visible, and some students were even able to see a shooting star.
Taking advantage of the silence, Professor White started to play the calls of barred and screech owls to try and draw one out. After a few minutes of playing the sounds, White was about to give up for the night when a barred owl in some nearby trees started to call back. Although the group never laid eyes on this owl, it was still exciting to hear it’s call so close.
After hiking back, the white tent had many interesting insects that came to visit. There were a few small moths and katydids of different species. There were also some European Hornets which scared off most members of the group from entering the tent.
The final adventure of the night was led by Dr. McShaffery who took the group into a field to search for glow worms also known as larval fireflies. Once found, they lit up the ground like a reflection of the stars above.
The Biology Department night hike was a beautiful experience both visually and intellectually. Most people who chose to participate found something that interested them making the night an all-around success. To keep me to date and participate in future events head to www.marietta.edu/events.
Edited by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
