Abstract: An insect holder for holding an insect of a particular type, e.g. a forager honey bee, comprises a housing with a chamber adapted to receive an insect of the particular type, an inlet to the chamber through which an insect of the particular type can pass to enter the chamber, a head opening to the chamber adapted to permit the head of an insect of the particular type in the chamber to pass therethrough to the exterior of the housing while retaining the insect in the housing, and retaining means for retaining an insect of the particular type in the chamber with the head of the insect protruding through the head opening to the exterior of the housing, such that the insect is unable to turn around in the chamber. In use, an insect of the particular type enters the chamber via the inlet, and is then retained in the holder by the retaining means. The insect is retained in the chamber, with its head protruding through the head opening of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a specific target odour comprises: a detector unit adapted to have removably associated therewith a holding unit for housing at least one insect in a predetermined position; means for exposing an insect in a holding unit associated with the detector unit to a sample of gas to be tested; and means for enabling monitoring of a response of the insect to the sample thereby to detect a response indicative of the target odour. In use of the apparatus, a holding unit housing at lest one insect that responds in a detectable manner to the target odour is associated with the detector unit. A sample of gas to be tested is supplied to the apparatus, for exposure to the insect or insects in the holding unit. The insect is monitored for a response indicative of the target odour, thus enabling determination as to whether or not the target odour is present in the sample.