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- Title
Do it yourself: fabricating and evaluating a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) blood-feeding device to replace a commercial option.
- Authors
Dewsnup, M Andrew; Faraji, Ary; White, Gregory S; Bibbs, Christopher S
- Abstract
Tools for rearing hematophagous insects, such as mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), in an insectary are essential for research and operational evaluations in vector biology and control. There is an abundance of low-cost options for practitioners without conventional infrastructure. However, few midrange options exist that provide a balance of efficiency and low material waste. We present here a reproducible design for an electrically powered blood-feeding device that offers long-term reusability, low material waste, and customizability for different species or experiments. The limitation is the requirement for electricity, but the gain is a simple, low-skill device that can be modified as needed. To validate the design, assessments of feeding angle and blood-feeding success were compared between the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District artificial membrane feeder (SLAM) and a commercial system (Hemotek). Engorgement in Aedes aegypti (80–90%), Culex pipiens (50–80%), and Culex tarsalis (30–75%) was similar between the 2 units, resulting in nearly identical fecundity outcomes between devices. Additionally, 45° angles were more successful, generally, than presenting the feeders flat or vertical to the mosquitoes (df3,48, P = 1.014 × 10−15). This angle is simple to present with the SLAM device. Materials for in-house reproduction of the SLAM system are now widely available in regions with access to e-commerce and shipped goods. This results in a device schematic that should fit well into a relatively modular, do-it-yourself paradigm where the practitioner needs only to assemble some materials without complex engineering. This article provides schematics, cost comparison, and validation of the in-house-made SLAM system.
- Subjects
SALT Lake City (Utah); BLOODSUCKING insects; DIPTERA; AEDES aegypti; CULEX pipiens; MOSQUITOES; INSECT rearing
- Publication
Journal of Insect Science, 2023, Vol 23, Issue 4, p1
- ISSN
1536-2442
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/jisesa/iead072