A Modular Cage System Design for Continuous Medium to Large Scale In Vivo Rearing of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Figure 4
Cage system operation. (a) A cage series starts with a connection cup with predators connected to a cage bottom filed with spider mite-infested bean leaves. (b) The starting cage unit is closed and a connection cup is fitted. (c) When spider mites have been depleted by the predators, a new cage unit is prepared. (d) The cover of the connection cup is removed to allow predators to move to the new cage. (e) A new cage bottom is fitted to the connection cup. (f) The connection cup cover is placed inside the new cage. (g) The new cage is covered and (h) sealed, and (i) a new connection cup is fitted to the cover. (j) The process can be repeated by adding a third cage unit when prey has been depleted. At this point, the bottom connection cup can be replaced by the stand piece.
