Frequently
Asked Questions
1. What should you condsider in rearing insects?
When you are rearing a species of insect you have to recreate
its natural environment. If you know the natural history of an insect,
you can adjust your rearing technique. For example, the Tobacco Hornworm
(Manduca sexta) is a leaf feeder that moves into soil to pupate.
To recreate the leaf, common plastic drain gutter guard is used to support
diet. A wooden block with individual compartments is adapted in place
of soil. However, not all insects thrive well in generalized settings.
2. What are common environmental settings for rearing insects?
Photoperiod of 14 hours light, 10 hours darkness. Temperature
of 80°F (27°C). Relative humidity of at least 60%.
3. What are the most common errors in rearing?
Generally most problems come from improper humidity, lighting,
temperatures or diet. Most insects have a small "comfort"
zone where these conditions are concerned. Humidity is listed first
because it is often the hardest element to monitor and control. It can
not only affect the survival of the individual insect but induce mold
on diet or drying out of diet until it is inedible.
Some insects need very specific termperature and lighting
conditions to induce metamorphosis or breeding. In addition, many will
go into diapause (insect hibernation) if exposed to short day lengths
(12 hours or less).
If you have a thriving colony where the first three items
are well controlled, then the diet is going to be the prime suspect.
Always note the quality of your diet materials when you weigh them out
and prepare the diet. If any appear to be questionable, use with care
due to spoilage. Be very careful to follow the recipes because even
some of the most common components of the diet may be toxic if consumed
in the wrong proportion.
1. What is the main ingredient of the diet for Tobacco
Budworms (Heliothis virescens), Corn Earworms (Heliocoverpa
zea), and Tobacco Hornworms (Manduca sexta)?
The Tobacco Budworm and Corn Earworm both eat a Corn-Soy
blend based diet. The Tobacco hornworm's, diet is Wheat Germ based.
2. How do I get a copy of diet recipes?
Email Beverley
Cash for a copy of diet recipes.
Days lead time required to receive specimens
Stage |
Days lead time for: Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis
virescens* |
For requests greater than/equal to |
Days lead time for: Manduca sexta |
For requests greater than/equal to |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Egg |
1 |
3000 |
1 |
200 |
| Neonate |
2 |
2000 |
3 |
150 |
| L1 |
2 |
200 |
4 |
100 |
| L2 |
2 |
150 |
7 |
20 |
| L3 |
5 |
100 |
10 |
15 |
| L4 |
7 |
70 |
13 |
10 |
| L5 |
10 |
50 |
16 |
8 |
| Pupa |
14 |
50 |
28 |
6 |
| Adults |
21 |
15 |
45 |
4 |
| Diet |
1 |
1 batch |
1 |
1 batch |
| *L1 to L4 Helicoverpa zea are typically set
up as multiple larvae in diet cups (10,8,6, and 2 larvae per cup,
respectively). |
1. How are insects shipped?
Insects are placed in sytrofoam coolers with padding and
cold packs to help keep them cool and are shipped overnight delivery.
|
