The Effects of Temperature on the Metabolic Rate of Waxworms

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of temperature on waxworms’ metabolic rate, we measured the CO2 levels in different temperature atmospheres. We hypothesized that metabolic rate in waxworms will increase as temperature in the chamber increases because ectotherms metabolic rate reflects the temperature of its environment. We measured the waxworms’ CO2 levels in room temperature, in a cold setting, and a warm setting. We repeated each trial three times; we concluded that the metabolic rate increases in warmer temperature rather than in room temperature and cold temperature. By testing the waxworms’ behavior, one can determine the most effective environment to use when working with certain ectotherms