Tracking Insects with Harmonic Radar: a Case Study

摘要: Harmonic radar technology can be used to track the dispersal of tagged insects. The tag consists a wire antenna attached Schottky diode, which uses original signal as an energy source, re-emitting harmonic transmitted wavelength. Two forms use this basic study insect movement. more sophisticated form ground-based scanning station that tracks movement on circular display. A simpler, “off-the-shelf” is commercially available, light-weight, handheld transmitter/receiver from RECCO Rescue Systems. We briefly review both these and describe our experience monitoring carabid beetles in agricultural habitats with transmitter/receiver. identified commercial source diodes compatible tested several diode combinations. found built single section 8-cm (monopole) was appropriate for marking carabids. Tags flexible Teflon-coated wires were improvement tags stiff, aluminum wire, but beetle still hindered. In corn soybean fields, large carabids ( Scarites quadriceps Chaudoir Harpalus pennsylvanicus , (DeG.) Coleoptera: Carabidae) could recaptured even when they burrowed out sight 3 9 cm below soil surface. discuss trade-offs between detection durability occur designing given organism. Although technique shows promise, producing does not hinder target field will require further development.