FF Breeding Pods

[jbherpin]

Does anyone set up small scale culturing cups within the viv for FFs to produce(edible) larva? In my mind it may be possible to have a deli cup of media with a lid that allows only insects in and out, it may be a servicable way of bolstering microfauna as well... Any thoughts?

JBear

[goof901]

there might be a problem with CO2 buildup

[patm]

Originally Posted by goof901

there might be a problem with CO2 buildup

How so? If insects can get in and out, there would most certainly be air exchange.

Pat

[Rhesus Feist]

What if you used something like Drosophila Culture Vials - Carolina Biological Supply Company to make mini cultures and use screen with a mesh size the flies can get through for the tops instead of the foam plugs.

Ahh, genetics. I never thought I would willingly culture FF again after that class

[zBrinks]

Throw a bit of banana in your viv - it'll be crawling with maggots in no time.

[mordoria]

For the most part, when I go on vacation or something, I put a small container with fruit and FF media in it, into the viv. I use film cans with the top on. Drill a hole in the center, big enough for flies. Ill premake a few of them. I put them in a plastic shoebox and time it so they begin producing a day or so b4 I leave.

A raw banana works just as well. The frogs will pick them off one by one until they are all gone. I like the canisters bc the flies an hide inside and maggots crawl out. Be careful if you have a mister system. Try and place the canister so it does not get direct spray.

[ZookeeperDoug]

I use plastic milk caps and cut a slice of banana and place it on top. Forms a feeding station/breeding/egg laying spot for flies. Usually in the mornings I find all my frogs hanging around the banana waiting for flies to crawl along or picking off maggots. I've started to premake these in a delicup with hydei flies to provide the nice big maggots for my imitators because I'm struggling to get good eggs out of them.

[jbherpin]

Thanks for all the great ideas... I was familiar with using banana, but never knew how long to leave it in, and whether to leave some "skin" on it to help slow decomposition. Should I allow the dern thing(banana) to completely break down, or is there a point it should be removed? All my thanks!

JBear

[PantMan]

I leave the banana in the viv. Springtails mass around the banana as it breakdown and decomposes.

[marylanddartfrog]

Originally Posted by zBrinks

Throw a bit of banana in your viv - it'll be crawling with maggots in no time.

I used this method and agree with it.plus i think the humidity will cause excess moisture to condence in any container in the viv and drown the culture.or make media saturated.