Observing insects in their natural habitat often requires a flexible set-up; you need to be mobile while still being able to code behavior in detail. With The Observer® XT and Pocket Observer you get the best of both; powerful observation tools in a mobile format.

Benefits

• Combine the power and flexibility of The Observer XT with the portability of a handheld computer.
• Concentrate completely on insect behavior; The Observer XT automatically adds time stamps to the logged events.
• Choose or combine continuous and instantaneous sampling to get the most out of your research.
• Use the efficiency and flexibility of the data selection functions in The Observer XT.

Examples of research
Observing insects in their natural habitat is essential for understanding their basic biology and ecology. One of the reasons for this is that their behavior is strongly influenced by environmental conditions such as wind direction, vegetation structure and composition, and movement of nearby species. A field-based approach allows you to investigate these influences. It can also complement the strengths of laboratory studies by revealing the environmental cues and context that shape insect behavior. Using a handheld computer provides the flexibility you need to work in any kind of environment.

Scoring on the go
Your experiment starts with designing a coding scheme (ethogram) with The Observer XT installed on a desktop or laptop. This coding scheme, containing every behavior you want to study, is then transferred to the handheld computer that is running Pocket Observer. Then simply start observing. Scoring is easy: just tap the corresponding key of the built-in keyboard. When your observations are finished, the data is transferred back to your desktop or laptop for analysis. If you need more detailed data of behaviors that quickly follow each other, consider adding video recording to your experiment. You can use The Observer XT to score videos offline and synchronize that data with the data scored live in the field with Pocket Observer.

A handheld for every situation
Noldus offers you a variety of handheld models, suitable for various environmental conditions. Rugged handhelds can withstand high humidity and extreme environmental temperatures and are suitable for observing insects in hot climates or greenhouses. Protective accessories are available for rainy observation days and for use of the handheld in dusty or humid environments. Handhelds with a touch screen and stylus provide a clear overview of accessible functions, while keyboard-based handhelds allow you to fully concentrate and keep your eyes on the insect while observing. Some handhelds provide both features, making them flexible and versatile. Pocket Observer also runs on a selection of smart phones.

Continuous and instantaneous observations
The Observer XT supports both continuous and instantaneous (time) sampling. Sometimes, combining both methods is just what your research needs. You can focus on one specific insect, while generally monitoring other insects or even other (predatory) animals, scoring their behaviors at set intervals. This functionality is available in both The Observer XT and Pocket Observer.

In-depth behavioral analysis
The Observer XT offers many features to use all the available information (subjects, behaviors, modifiers, and independent variables) to select, visualize, and analyze your data to different extents. From basic classification to in-depth selection and analysis, The Observer XT will help you out.  Besides basic statistics, the Advanced Analysis module offers reliability and lag sequential analysis. Need more? Export your data to statistical packages such as SPSS. Or import your observations into Theme™, a program that detects patterns of repeating sequences that are impossible to detect by the naked eye or by basic statistical programs.