Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biological control. Specifically, it relates to the use of predator mites as biological control agents for reducing damage to crops by insect pests. In particular, it relates to a new method for rearing predator mites, and a method for controlling pests in a crop using predator mites reared using said method.

Abstract: A butterfly rearing kit having a housing formed substantially of air permeable fabric derived of fibers from a plant such as sinamay. An internal cavity of the housing is marked with a target for mounting a chrysalis in an elevated position from the bottom of the housing. An area of the fabric surrounds the mounting position such that an emerging butterfly has an unobstructed space to extend its wings for drying. The drying is aided by the airflow through the material. Forming the material from sinamay provides an attractant to the butterfly to lite in the area of unobstructed space and avoid falling or moving to the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides an apparatus for trapping insects for purposes of monitoring insect load and in some cases studying the captured insects, and methods for using the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for trapping insects once they emerge from the soil, such as corn rootworm beetles and related insects, and methods for assembling and using the same. The apparatus comprises a frame having an open bottom and a removable top panel having at least one plant slot configured to receive a plant and a capture chamber opening configured to receive a capture chamber; a flexible sealing structure configured to seal the plant slot on the top panel; and a securing mechanism configured to secure the flexible sealing structure such that a seal is created about the plant to prevent the egress of the insects about the plant.

Abstract: A formicarium housing is filled with discrete layers of sand of respectively different colors bound together by ant nutritious sugar deposited from solution saturating the sand so that ants can tunnel through the particulate material depositing tailings of different colors on a top surface of the material displayed in an order corresponding to an order of the regions in which the ants have been tunneling. A formicarium kit has an ant proof, transparent walled housing, clear plastic packets of respectively differently colored sands, a mixing cup, a stirrer, and sugar packets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive device comprising (a) a container with an object and water and (b) interactive equipment which causes interaction between (i) the object and a user or (ii) the object and other objects via the user's movements or driving by a sensor.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a firefly container, comprising transparent outer walls and air holes. After putting nutrients, water, shelters, and matrixes into the viewer, fireflies can be allowed to live in it. Moreover, if a handling device is installed on the present invention, it can be used as a “firefly lantern” and provides edutainmental functions.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A feeding method and apparatus for breeding natural enemy insects necessary for establishing a farming system that uses less or no pesticides and a rearing method for breeding natural enemy insects are provided. A feeding apparatus including a food supplying section, a feeding section, and a food introducing section via which the food supplying section and the feeding section are in communication with each other, and an attracting section made of a material having a specific color tone is designed, and is used to breed natural enemy insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii. and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: The consumption of grasshoppers and their derivatives is an age-old tradition common in various places in Mexico and other countries, which has recently spread to developed nations. The consumption of different insects, and in particular of grasshoppers, constitutes an important source of protein within the diets of many communities. The traditional collection of grasshoppers for human consumption is done directly from cultivation fields, which are subjected to contaminants of various sorts due to the use of agrochemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, among others. It is well known that various compounds contained in these agrochemicals have toxic, harmful and accumulative effects in human beings. This invention consists of an intensive contaminant-free process for raising grasshoppers and their derivatives for human consumption, from the cultivation of germplasm to the processing of the finished products ready for consumption.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for testing insect repellents that is derived from the behavior of mosquitoes in nature. The method is based on the displacement of mosquitoes from a place (cork) on a created habitat (corked-box) using a repellent substance. It does not require attractants, or blood-hungry mosquitoes, and it is appropriate for high throughput testing of different materials at the same time and in few hours.

Abstract: An ant sculpture is formed by removing a block of nutritious gel having with a network of ant tunnels from a formicarium container; placing the block in an p.v.c bag that serves as a release liner; and stuffing the bag containing the gel block back into the container. The tunnel network is then filled with a transparent epoxy resin which is permitted to harden in the tunnel network; the bag containing the gel body with set epoxy removed from the container and, the gel is then separated so that the hardened epoxy forms an ant sculpture replicating the network of ant tunnels. The epoxy resin is Bisphenol A epoxy resin.

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.

Abstract: An insect storage, maintenance, dusting, and distribution device that dispenses living insects to caged animals. A Tower compartment is connected to a separate Dusting Chamber compartment with apertures on both compartments that may be aligned by rotating the Tower above the Dusting Chamber to form a passage for insects. The insects can move from the Tower to the Dusting Chamber which coats the insects with a nutritional dust. The insects are then allowed to move from the Dusting Chamber through a Feeder Tube into the animal(s)' habitat for their consumption by the animal.

Abstract: A modular nest including a backing member including a pair of generally opposing leafs connected to a spine and a removable nesting substrate including a plurality of grooves formed on a first face, the plurality of grooves forming a plurality of nesting cavities when the nesting substrate is folded along a line substantially perpendicular to an axis of one of the plurality of grooves, the nesting substrate removably inserted between the pair of generally opposing leafs of the backing member. A nest closure member is adapted for selective engagement for holding the backing member and the nesting substrate in a closed position wherein the plurality of grooves form the plurality of nesting cavities and an open position wherein the nesting substrate is laid open and the plurality of grooves are exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing beneficial insects or mites to a cropping environment for application to the control of thrips, and methods for using the same is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second members joined by a hinge section, which also functions as a hook. At least one of the first and second members comprises a compartment and at least one emergence hole providing a passage between the compartment and the environment. The compartment comprises a formulation therein comprising beneficial insects or mites useful for controlling thrips. The apparatus is oriented when in use to have an inverted V- or U-type conformation, which creates a sheltered region around the emergence hole, protecting it from the environment.

Abstract: An insect holder for holding an insect, e.g. a forager honey bee, comprises a housing with a chamber adapted to receive the insect, an inlet to the chamber through which the insect can pass to enter the chamber, and a head opening to the chamber adapted to permit the head of the insect in the chamber to pass therethrough to the exterior of the housing while retaining the insect in the housing, with the head of the insect protruding through the head opening to the exterior of the housing. The insect is constrained to be unable to turn around in the chamber or withdraw its head into the chamber, so that observations can be made on the insect head, e.g. monitoring proboscis movement in known manner. When observations are finished, the insect is released unharmed and undamaged.

Abstract: A method and a housing assembly (10) for farming members of the Phylum Arthropoda (12) to collect silk therefrom in a centralized location without the members exhibiting territoriality tendencies is disclosed. The housing assembly (10) includes a wall (22) defining a plurality of frames (24) in close proximity with one another and disposed about a work space (26). Each frame (24) presents an open frame space (28) having a predetermined area and the work space (26) has a foot print (30) of a predetermined area such that a ratio is established therebetween. The ratio of the predetermined area of the open frame space (28) to the predetermined area of the foot print (30) is at least 1:5. A roof (32) is supported by the wall (22) for covering the frames (24) and the work space (26) and has an eave (34) that extends perpendicularly beyond the wall (22) a predetermined distance to protect the frames (24).

Abstract: In space, wastes from humans, animals, and crops can be fully recycled by rearing maggots which will be nourishing feedstuff for feeding animals. These animals and their eggs combined with crop plants will be varied food for humans in space. Water and nutrition left in the residues remaining after rearing the maggots can be recycled and used to fertilize crop plants. Rearing maggots, animals, and crop plants provides a self-sufficient food regenerative system that enables humans to live and work in space on long term missions independent of food from earth.

Abstract: A Chemical Detector, a training method and a method for detecting a chemical or chemicals has been developed that uses invertebrate organisms trained to respond to targeted chemical odors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for breeding of insects for therapeutic application of secretions of fly larvae (maggots) on a wound. The device includes an application container for receiving the fly eggs. The fly larvae from the egg stage up to the maggot stage is develop inside the application container and the maggots are grown until they secrete a therapeutically active secretion. The application container is maintain under development conditions influenced in a controlled manner which retard the further development of the eggs for storage. The application container includes fluid transmissive walls that allow the passing of secretions produced by the maggot through the walls of the application container into the wound but prevents passage of the maggots enclosed in the application container. In addition, the device of the present invention includes an incubation container to maintain the eggs in controlled incubating conditions.

Abstract: Methods and hosts for rearing insect parasitoids are provided. Particularly, polymer beads (alginate, carrageenan, and chitosan) are used to rear endoparasitoids in vitro.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a two sided member having a convoluted surface giving the crickets ample area upon which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for use within a terrarium for feeding insects such as crickets to reptiles and/or other animals in the terrarium. The apparatus consists of a structure having a chamber in which the insects can move about, a cover that provides access to the chamber for introducing insects and powder supplements to the chamber, and a small port and manually removable port plug for enabling the insects to exit the chamber to the terrarium when the plug is removed. The structure and cover may create the image of a simulated rock. The feeding apparatus has a substantially flat surface for maintaining the rock structure in a stable position in the terrarium.

Abstract: In the space, the wastes from human, animals and crop can be fully recycled by rearing maggot which will be nourishing feedstuff for feeding animals. These animals and their eggs combines with the crop plants that NASA developed will be varied food for human in space. The water and nutrition leaving in the residues after rearing maggot can be recycled and fertilized by the crop plant again. Rearing maggot and animals combined with crop plants could achieve a self-sufficient food regenerative system from most wastes to enable human to live and work in space-independent of earth-provided food in long term mission.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a robotic apparatus for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies, is capable of performing various tasks, including automatically transferring live flies from a donor container to a recipient container, such as for the purpose of feeding the flies. The apparatus includes an anesthetizing mechanism configured to automatically introduce an anesthetic, such as gaseous CO2, into a donor container of live flies to temporarily immobilize the flies before the flies are transferred to the recipient container. The apparatus also includes a gas manifold that is configured to direct a flow of gas from a compressed-gas source into the donor container such that the immobilized flies are blown from the donor container into the recipient container. In another embodiment, automated methods are provided for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies.

Abstract: To raise fly larvae (FL) as space food besides crop plants for waste recycling and food production. NASA has been cultivating crop plants as the space food. The feedstuff nutrition from both crew's waste (faces and urine) and crop's waste can be recycled by FL to achieve the goal of efficiently producing nourishing food. The water and nutrition leaving in the dreg after raising HFL can be recycled and fertilized the crop plant again. Raising HFL combining with crop plants could develop a self circular closed system from most wastes to enable human to live and work in space-independent of earth-provided logistics in long duration mission.

Abstract: A method for preventing the invasion of dwelling houses etc by ants, by luring the ants to locations near the house, where food is provided for them. The food dispenser consists of a round body which contains a floor section which holds an ant food.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for breeding of insects for therapeutic application of secretions of fly larvae (maggots) on a wound. The device includes an application container for receiving the fly eggs. The fly larvae from the egg stage up to the maggot stage is develop inside the application container and the maggots are grown until they secrete a therapeutically active secretion. The application container is maintain under development conditions influenced in a controlled manner which retard the further development of the eggs for storage. The application container includes fluid transmissive walls that allow the passing of secretions produced by the maggot through the walls of the application container into the wound but prevents passage of the maggots enclosed in the application container. In addition, the device of the present invention includes an incubation container to maintain the eggs in controlled incubating conditions.

Abstract: A clear plastic container holding a clear fluid that repels houseflies by refracting light. The container may be a hard or soft plastic.

Abstract: An insect storage and shipping container which takes the form of a transparent vessel within which is mounted a pair of spaced apart panels. The panels can be used to hold food in cake form. The panels also include roughened surfaces in order to increase the amount of available space within the vessel for the insects to maneuver about. The lid of the vessel includes spacers which permit stacking of the containers in a manner to keep the air holes contained within the lid open. A grate may be installed in conjunction with the panels with the grate normally located a short distance from the floor of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the rearing of insects, especially for the therapeutic application of the secretion of fly larvae (maggots). The eggs of the flies are stored and/or transported in a container under conditions that inhibit their development. For application, the eggs are removed from the development-inhibiting conditions and placed under conditions in which they can be reared and fed so that the maggots hatch out, grow and secrete the secretion to be applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system for the packaging, presentation, and delivery of a semi-solid arthropod diet, for the feeding or oviposition of arthropods. The arthropod diet delivery system of the invention has a diet-filled reservoir covered with a stretchable membrane, wherein the reservoir membrane has a plurality of stretched, thinned outwardly projecting areas thereon (feeding protrusions) which are filled with the semi-solid diet. The interior of a protrusion is in fluid communication with the diet-filled reservoir. The arthropod diet delivery system may optionally further include stretched, thinned inwardly projecting areas in the stretchable reservoir membrane (intrusions), which are particularly advantageous as oviposition sites for certain arthropods. The invention is also directed to methods of making the arthropod diet delivery system wherein the protrusions are substantially simultaneously created and filled with diet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system for the packaging, presentation, and delivery of a semi-solid arthropod diet, for the feeding or oviposition of arthropods. The arthropod diet delivery system of the invention has a diet-filled reservoir covered with a stretchable membrane, wherein the reservoir membrane has a plurality of stretched, thinned outwardly projecting areas thereon (feeding protrusions) which are filled with the semi-solid diet. The interior of a protrusion is in fluid communication with the diet-filled reservoir. The arthropod diet delivery system may optionally further include stretched, thinned inwardly projecting areas in the stretchable reservoir membrane (intrusions), which are particularly advantageous as oviposition sites for certain arthropods. The invention is also directed to methods of making the arthropod diet delivery system wherein the protrusions are substantially simultaneously created and filled with diet.

Abstract: Apparatus for repositioning eggs from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position such that injection/removal of material into/from the side of the egg can occur. Each apparatus may include a cradle, an alignment member, and an orientation member. The cradle has an inclined, arcuate surface with an upper portion, a lower portion, and opposite side portions. The alignment member is operably positioned adjacent the cradle and is configured to engage an egg positioned on the arcuate surface lower portion in an inclined orientation and to releasably secure the egg in a predetermined alignment relative to the cradle. The orientation member is operably positioned relative to the cradle, and is configured to urge an egg positioned on the lower portion in an inclined orientation to a generally vertical orientation after injection/removal of material into/from the egg has occurred.

Abstract: Methods of assaying insects for pesticide resistance and to identify insect species are based on feeding disruption caused by insecticide such as the biopesticide Bacillius thuringiensis toxin (Bt). Further provided are methods for monitoring insecticide resistance in a population of insects, as well as methods of screening compounds for insecticidal activity. Insecticide resistance can be assessed at the level of an individual insect or at population levels. Apparatus and dehydrated insect meal pads useful in such assays are described.

Abstract: A diet for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., beetles including weevils that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, comprises a homogeneous mixture of first portion which is subjected to sterilization in an autoclave comprising water, agar and salt mix and optionally also yeast extract, casein and a sugar, and of a second portion which is not subjected to sterilization in an autoclave which comprises host plant part fed on by insect larvae, vitamin mix, and antimicrobial agent(s). A method for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., weevils, e.g., Hylobius transversovittatus or Cyphocleonos achates Fahraeus, comprises placing first instar insect larvae on an artificial diet comprising ground host plant part, incubating the larvae on the diet in darkness at a temperature ranging from 15 to 30° C. and a relative humidity ranging from 50 to 90%, and retrieving adults as they emerge.

Abstract: The subject invention provides artificial diet compositions for rearing mites, insects, and other beneficial organisms. These artificial diets are particularly advantageous because they make it possible to raise organisms efficiently and economically.

Abstract: A novel entomopathogenic nematode of the genus Steinernema, which is effective as a biopesticide for the control of insects, and particularly the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. This nematode has been identified as Steinernema riobravis.