Abstract: A device for rearing and sorting insects comprises a shaft, storage compartments, each compartment with a first closable opening for insertion of a water tray to hold pupae, and a second opening into said shaft, the inserted water tray being enclosed in the respective compartment apart from those two openings. A conveyor belt is aligned with an exit from the shaft to catch insects emerging from the pupae via the shaft. A classifier classifies insects on the conveyor belt into at least two classes; and a sorter sorts the insects on the conveyor based on output of the classifier to provide a sorted group of one of the classes.

Abstract: A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.

Abstract: An insect distribution device to be carried by drone to distribute insects from the air, comprises a source of passive cooling; an insect chamber; one or more insect containers in said insect chamber; and a release point. The source of passive cooling is in thermal contact with the insect chamber to keep the insect container below a predetermined temperature to keep said insects passive during storage. The device is designed to feed the insect containers in turn to the release point for aerial release.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: An insect distribution device to be carried by drone to distribute insects from the air, comprises a source of passive cooling; an insect chamber; one or more insect containers in said insect chamber; and a release point. The source of passive cooling is in thermal contact with the insect chamber to keep the insect container below a predetermined temperature to keep said insects passive during storage. The device is designed to feed the insect containers in turn to the release point for aerial release.

Abstract: Apparatus for rearing of aquatic insects, comprises one or more water trays filled with water and larvae being reared, a water inlet leading to the water surface and a water outlet leading from the water surface, the water inlet closed with an inlet valve and the water outlet closed with an outlet valve. The tray has a mesh, and the insects reared in water in the tray are above the mesh. The tray has a water cleaning configuration in which the inlet and outlet valves are open to flush clean water through the tray while the mesh holds the insects so that they do not get flushed out as the water is changed.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location, the collection location being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location, thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.

Abstract: A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.

Abstract: A fragile substance storage transportation and release device comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the fragile substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.

Abstract: A method of separating a batch of insects from a trap into individual insects comprises pouring the batch into a container having at least one hole, the hole being sized for a single insect; and moving the container to shake the insects within so that individual insects are caused to exit via the hole onto a collecting surface, thereby providing separated insects onto the collecting surface. The insects from the trap may then be counted and image recognition may be used to identify the genus, species or gender. The process may be carried out for multiple traps and location data may be stored with the insect identifications to give a map of insect distribution.

Abstract: A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.

Abstract: A device for sorting insects into two or more classes based on size, the device comprising a drum with openings along the circumference. The insects are introduced to the drum at a first end, and the openings are sized to allow a first class of the insects to exit the drum through the circumference and the openings while the second class is retained to travel to far end of the drum, thereby sorting the insects into the classes. The drum may be held at a tilt to enable flow within the drum. The drum may rotate and a built in helix or helical screw may assist with flow. Water may be poured from above or from inside to flush insects through the openings or flush stuck insects back into the interior.

Abstract: A diffuser for distributing insects such as mosquitoes from an aircraft, comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end in a direction away from that of travel of the aircraft, for distribution of the insects; and a profile surrounding the second end, the profile being shaped to define a steadily changing airspeed. The pipe may be aligned with airflow at the point of exit of the pipe and protection may be provided around or just upstream of the exit to provide a point of minimal air velocity at the exit, the exit being the point of release of the insects.

Abstract: A method of applying an operation to an individually separated and immobile insect comprises directing a mass of insects onto a permeable surface, and applying a pressure gradient through the permeable surface to apply suction of the insects down into the surface, to immobilize the insects. The operation, whether it be counting, classification, sorting or sterilization, is then carried out on the immobilized insects.