Marike's Moth Research Internship

Moth Lady I
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

For the past three internship weeks I went out into the jungle, or as the locals call it ‘the bush’. Here Kristel Pendleton and I stayed at different lodges and did moth sampling at night. Our goal was to catch female Sphingidae moths, but we only caught males. Fancy that!
During the days Kristel and I would explore the property and trails where we were staying, and had the opportunity to see many species of Belizean wildlife like toucans, a ferdelance, Blue Morpho and Owl butterflies, and a terrific array of palms and heliconias. Since we were technically still on internship we would read up on hawk moths and foodplants. I enjoyed my internship immensely, and developed an even deeper love for entomology.
It was wonderful to be out at night experiencing creation when I would have otherwise been sleeping. Many nights I sat in trenchal downpours just listening to insects fly past my head toward the light and I would marvel at God’s handiwork. I must admit I felt a little crazy at first, but as time went on I rather enjoyed being a nighttime entomologist! Our hosts were especially enthusiastic about our research, and it was great to be treated as though we were truly professional entomologists and not just amateurs!

Marike Boerema
Dordt College