Super Worms and Warm Light: The effects of different variations of warm light on Zophobas morio metabolic rate

Abstract

This study was performed in order to test the effects of warm light color variations on the metabolism of Zephobas morio (commonly known as super worms). Ambient light and darkness have been used as control groups. Individual shades including yellow, orange, and red have not previously been tested and compared on super worms. In order to test the theory that shades of light would increase or decrease metabolic function of super worms, the Zephobas morio were measured on CO2 production. Time trials were used to specifically induce equal amounts of light exposure to each group of worms. With a rest period for the worms in-between each trial, they were placed into the biochamber where they were then tested on the warm variants of color including red, orange, and yellow, along with the two control groups. The data shows support for our hypothesis, that increasing variants of warm light increased the metabolic rates of the super worms.