Automatic Insect collector / Aspirator With Counter
IR-735 Insect Collector with Counter. The device is an automatic insect aspirator, build to carefully collect and transfer a defined number of flying insects from one rearing cage to another, often smaller cage. This insect aspirator uses a portable vacuum device to suck flying insects in with a nozzle head, counting them before entering the target insect cage. In a way, it is a modern version of a "pooter", particularly suited to mass rearing and insect research facilities where the transfer of (defined numbers of) insects between cages is routine.
VSI IR-735 Insect Collector with Counter - Specifications
The inner chamber size (35 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm) of the VSI IR-735 Insect Aspirator is suitable for standard rearing cages ('target cages') up to 33 cm side length. Insects are captured in the source cage (or in vivo) via a variable length vacuum tube ("pick-up straw"); the associated fan to generate the suction force is screened and positioned under the target cage. Insect collection is started/stopped via a foot switch for easy, hands-free operation, or the fan can be set to continuous operation. As insects enter the target cage, they are counted by a photoelectric sensor and the number collected is displayed. The unit requires 220V. Please see the IR-735 specifications (pdf) below or contact us for details.
The unit can be customized to fit larger or smaller insect cages. Consider adding a refrigeration capability to the insect aspirator if immobilization of collected insects by cooling is required for subsequent transfer (e.g. to release cages).
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF the INSECT Aspirator Counter
The acrylic housing of the Insect Aspirator is made from PMMA, which can optionally have a 70% post-consumer recycled content. Contact us if a more sustainably produced acrylic would meet your insect research needs.
Collection of Flying Insects - Methods
Flying insects can be collected using a variety of methods, largely depending on the collection site, species and scope. Some common techniques are:
- Sweep netting or other nets: This method involves using a large net, usually of fine mesh, to sweep through vegetation or other habitats where flying insects may be present. The net is swung through the air to catch insects in flight or to collect them from foliage. Other techniques use installed nets with colelctions flasks on top. Partially thes nets have different colours for effective collection.
- Light traps: Light traps use ultraviolet light to attract and capture nocturnal flying insects such as moths and beetles. The trap consists of a light source and a receptacle that can be filled with water or other liquid to preserve the insects.
- Sticky traps: Sticky traps are adhesive surfaces placed in areas where flying insects are likely to land or fly through. The traps can be made of various materials, such as paper or plastic, and can be coated with a non-toxic adhesive. This methodology is not suitable if insect have to be captured alive.
- Pheromone and similar chemical traps: Pheromone traps use sex pheromones or other attractants such as CO2 to lure certain species of flying insects into a trap. The traps typically consist of a lure or bait placed in a container.
- Vacuum sampling: This insect aspirator method uses a portable vacuum device to suck flying insects from vegetation or other habitats. The insects are collected in a container or bag attached to the vacuum. The VSI insect aspirator IR-735 follows this vacuum sampling principle to transfer insects carefully and in known numbers between insect rearing cages.
- Knocking or shaking: Moving branches or leaves can dislodge flying insects and cause them to fall onto a collection sheet or into a container placed underneath.
- Manual collection: At lowered temperatures, inmobilised insects can be transferred manually from the bottom of collection or release cages.
The choice of collection method will depend on the specific objectives of the study, the habitat and insect species of interest and the resources available. It is important to choose a method that is appropriate for the target insects and minimises damage to the collected specimens.
Selected Readings on Insect Aspirators
- Bérenger J-M, Almeras L, Leulmi H, Parola P. 2015. A High-Performance Vacuum Cleaner for Bed Bug Sampling: A Useful Tool for Medical Entomology. Journal of Medical Entomology 52(3): 513-515.
- Doğramaci M, Chen J, Arthurs SP, McKenzie CL, Irizarry F, Houben K, Brennan M, Osborne L. 2011. Mini-Aspirator: A New Device for Collection and Transfer of Small Arthropods to Plants. Florida Entomologist 94(1): 22-27, 26.
- Gantt CW, King EG, Martin DF. 1976. New Machines For Use in a Biological Insect-Control Program. Transactions of the Asae 19(2): 242-0243.
- Leather S. 2015. An entomological classic: the Pooter or insect aspirator. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 28.
- Motamedinia B, Rakhshani E. 2017. Hand-held electric Aspirator. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics 3(4): 281-292.
- Summers CG, Garrett R, Zalom FG. 1984. New suction device for sampling arthropod populations. Journal of Economic Entomology 77(3): 817-823.
- Tóth F 2000. An improved version of the ‘aspirator gun’—a device for collecting arthropods. European arachnology 2000. Proceedings of the 19th European Colloquium on Arachnology. 17-22.