I am new to rearing insect lab cultures. I need to start a small lab culture in order to conduct some behavioural trials with pheromone lures. I am able to collect larvae from the field but i am unsure as to the process of rearing and diet.
Hi Alex,
I have attached a diet that I am using for porina (Wiseana) species larvae that I am rearing eggs. You can also modify it to suit your purpose. I didn't add the formaldehyde. Once the larvae are between 4-5 weeks old, you can feed them on carrots. Just make sure you scrape off the skin of the carrots to remove any chemical residue on them before to chop them and change when they become mouldy.
Thank you Sylvester, i will have a look at modifying this diet for my project
Hi Alex,
Principally what is important in insect mass rearing is to mimic the natural environment. Have the diet flow as regular as possible and fresh. Let the diurnal period be the right one eg. 12hrs of light, depending on the natural conditions. Follow this with temperature of 24-28 degree Celsius, good for most insects. Find out about the humidity requirement for the moth larva. Best wishes as you settle for the work.
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