LARGE VOLUME PREPARATION AND PROCESSING OF A SYNTHETIC DIET FOR INSECT REARING

Abstract A method for preparation, dispensing, and handling of large volumes of a synthetic diet for rearing a variety of insect species is described. A 16.5 imp. gal electrically-heated steam-jacketed kettle fitted with a bridge-mounted mixer is used to liquefy the agar and to mix the ingredients. An automatic filler is used to dispense measured amounts of diet directly from the kettle into plastic creamer cups set up on disposable pressed-board cafeteria trays. The trays facilitate easy handling and storage of diet and also serve as rearing units. The composition of the diet, the amount of ingredients to prepare 15 imp. gal, and some of the insect species successfully reared on the diet, are also noted.