Kakanui insects, invertebrates sorted

University of Otago Zoology department lecturer Dr Jenny Jandt examines insects during an insect...
University of Otago Zoology department lecturer Dr Jenny Jandt examines insects during an insect and invertebrate sorting blitz at the weekend. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Insects and invertebrates went under the microscope at a University of Otago department of zoology insect sorting weekend.

More than 60 students and staff of the department volunteered to assist as part of the Kakanui Community Catchment project.

The project, managed by New Zealand Landcare Trust, focuses on the improvement of water quality, reduction of soil erosion and enhancement of biodiversity in the Kakanui River catchment.

The environmental monitoring programme collected samples from the Kakanui river during a nine-week period last summer.

Zoology department professional practice fellow Dr Sheena Townsend said the sorting exposed students to a variety of insects.

‘‘It's been a great opportunity for students to sort the wide range of insects into their various categories, including beetles, bees, wasps, moths, true bugs, spiders and more.''

The monitoring project aimed to identify insect species which were most beneficial to sustainable farming practices.

The three-year monitoring project ends in November.

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