If rooks live in a rookery, and bats live in a battery, scientists studying insects and plants need to keep them in an insectary
The Polaris Insectary is a new type of cage that encloses both plants and insects.
It has been designed by a prominent member of the European Whitefly Studies Network and makes the study of insect-plant interactions easier, more convenient and more reproducible.
The insectary is now being made commercially available to a wider scientific community by Polaris Instruments. The Insectary is made with clear acrylic panels that can be removed for cleaning, sterilising or replacement if they have been damaged.
The watering tray is separate from the insect chamber so that the watering medium is kept dark to inhibit algal growth and the insect chamber has reduced humidity to inhibit fungal growth.
Low water level is indicated by a light so that a quick glance reveals cages in need of additional water.
Automatic watering is available as an option.
A fan circulates air through the cage maintaining the internal atmosphere the same as outside and stopping condensation forming on the walls.
Vents have 50 micron mesh guards to stop insects passing through.
Magnetically attached doors allow quick and easy access when required.
The insectary is typically for use by scientists studying genetically modified plants or insects; or new insecticides.
This new insect cage avoids many of the problems associated with previous cages. More consistent conditions and minimised pathogens gives more consistent and reliable scientific results.
A patent is pending.
