An ant olfactory detector

Abstract

The application relates to an ant olfactory detector, belonging to the technical field of pest control equipment, which comprises a support frame, at least two funnels, a transparent observation box, an air pump and at least two fans, the at least two funnels are fixed on the support frame, a closing plate is fixed in the small-area opening end of each funnel, and a gas injection hole is arranged on each closing plate; the observation box is arranged at the top end of the at least two funnels, and at least two air holes are arranged on the bottom surface of the observation box; at least two gas outlets on the air pump are in communication with the at least two gas injection holes respectively; and the at least two fans are correspondingly arranged above the at least two air holes and are fixed on the support frame. The transparent observation box is arranged at the top end of the at least two funnels, the inside of the observation box is fixed with a breathable net, the ants can move in the observation box, the mesh of the breathable net is communicated with the multiple funnels, multiple airflow areas corresponding to the multiple funnels are formed in the observation box, and the ants can be subjected to olfactory detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pest control equipment technology, and in particular to an ant olfactory detector. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, researchers often use Y-shaped olfactometers to investigate ants' responses to specific gases, including attraction, repulsion, or no response. Traditional Y-shaped olfactometers are usually made of glass and are triangular tubes, with two side arms for introducing odor sources and the main arm for placing test ants. In the experiment, gases from different odor sources flow into the main arm simultaneously through the side arms, stimulating the ants and inducing their odor responses. When using Y-shaped olfactometers to study ants' responses to specific gases, some problems may be encountered, such as: (1) the odor source gases introduced from the two side arms are easily mixed at the junction of the three tubes, thus interfering with the ants' perception of the odor source gases; (2) gas molecules may be adsorbed on the tube wall and then desorbed, which may lead to fluctuations in odor concentration and thus affect the ants' perception.

[0003] Therefore, how to design an ant olfactory detector that detects gases that are not easily mixed is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an ant olfactory detector that solves the technical problem that existing Y-type olfactory detectors easily mix gases, resulting in invalid detection results.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: an ant olfactory detector, comprising: a support frame, at least two funnels, a transparent observation box, an air pump, and at least two fans.

[0006] At least two funnels are arranged along the height of the support frame and fixed to the support frame. The large-area openings of the at least two funnels face upwards and can each hold a odorant release agent. A sealing plate is fixed inside the small-area opening of the at least two funnels, and an air injection hole is provided on the at least two sealing plates. The observation box is placed on top of the at least two funnels and has at least two ventilation holes on its bottom surface, which are respectively connected to the at least two funnels. A breathable mesh for carrying ants is fixed inside the observation box along its vertical direction. The air pump has at least two air outlets, which are respectively connected to the at least two air injection holes through at least two air pipes. The top surface of the observation box has at least two exhaust holes, which are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two ventilation holes. At least two fans are located above the observation box and are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two exhaust holes, and both fans are fixed to the support frame.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0008] 1. By placing a transparent observation box on top of at least two funnels, and because the inside of the observation box is fixed with a breathable net for carrying ants, it can not only support the ants to move around in the observation box, but also connect the mesh of the breathable net with multiple funnels, thereby forming multiple airflow zones in the observation box that correspond to multiple funnels, which facilitates olfactory detection of ants.

[0009] 2. By using at least two fans, each positioned above at least two vents and fixed to the support, the gases from multiple funnels can be prevented from mixing in the observation chamber, thus improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a camera, which is located between at least two of the fans and correspondingly positioned above the observation box and fixed on the support frame.

[0012] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above method is that by using a camera to observe and record the ants' behavior at regular intervals or in real time, human intervention is reduced and the accuracy of experimental results is improved.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes supplementary lights, which are located on both sides of at least two of the fans and fixed on the support frame above the observation box.

[0014] The further beneficial effects of adopting the above are: by using the uniform illumination of the supplemental light, the light in the observation box is ensured to be consistent, avoiding the impact of uneven lighting on the insect's behavior; at the same time, it also simulates the lighting conditions of insects in their natural environment.

[0015] Furthermore, the support frame includes multiple support rods, a first support plate, a second support plate, and a third support plate, with the multiple support rods arranged in parallel and spaced apart; the first support plate is arranged perpendicularly to and fixed to the multiple support rods, and the first support plate has at least two insertion holes; the second support plate is parallel to and above the first support plate and fixed to the multiple support rods, and the second support plate has at least two fixing holes; the third support plate is parallel to and above the second support plate and fixed to the multiple support rods; at least two funnels are respectively inserted into at least two insertion holes; at least two fans are respectively fixed into at least two fixing holes; the fill light is fixed to the second support plate; and the camera is fixed to the third support plate.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes at least two gas dryers, which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two gas outlets and at least two gas injection holes.

[0017] The further beneficial effect of using the above is that the gas dryer can purify the gas in the gas tube and remove background gases that may interfere with the experiment.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes at least two flow meters, which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two of the gas dryers and at least two of the gas injection ports.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes at least two support mesh plates, each of which is arranged along the height direction perpendicular to the funnel and fixed inside the at least two funnels; the flavor source release material can be placed on the support mesh plates.

[0020] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that fixing the support mesh plate inside the funnel can both hold the flavor source release and disperse and stabilize the airflow.

[0021] Furthermore, at least two of the aforementioned support mesh plates are 50-mesh iron sand mesh.

[0022] Furthermore, at least two of the aforementioned breathable meshes are 30-mesh iron sand mesh.

[0023] Furthermore, at least two of the funnels have a square cross-section.

[0024] Furthermore, at least two of the flow meters are glass rotor flow meters.

[0025] Furthermore, at least two of the aforementioned fans are low-speed, silent fans. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ant olfactory detector according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 These are experimental data for an ant olfactory detector according to the present invention.

[0028] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0029] 1. Support frame; 11. Support rod; 12. First support plate; 13. Second support plate; 14. Third support plate; 2. Funnel; 3. Observation box; 4. Air pump; 5. Fan; 6. Ventilation net; 7. Supplemental light; 8. Gas dryer; 9. Flow meter; 10. Support mesh plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, an ant olfactory detector includes: a support frame 1, at least two funnels 2, a transparent observation box 3, an air pump 4, and at least two fans 5.

[0032] At least two funnels 2 are arranged along the height direction of the support frame 1 and are fixed to the support frame 1. The large-area opening ends of the at least two funnels 2 are arranged upwards and can each hold the odor release substance. The small-area opening ends of the at least two funnels 2 are fixed with a sealing plate, and the at least two sealing plates are provided with air injection holes. The observation box 3 is placed on top of the at least two funnels 2 and its bottom surface is provided with at least two ventilation holes, which are respectively connected to the at least two funnels 2. The interior of the observation box 3 is fixed with a breathable net 6 for carrying ants along the vertical direction. The air pump 4 is provided with at least two air outlets, and the at least two air outlets are respectively connected to the at least two air injection holes through at least two air pipes. The top surface of the observation box 3 is provided with at least two exhaust holes, which are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two ventilation holes. At least two fans 5 are located above the observation box 3 and are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two exhaust holes. The at least two fans 5 are fixed to the support frame 1.

[0033] In some specific embodiments, a camera may also be included, which is located between at least two fans 5 and correspondingly positioned above the observation box 3 and fixed on the support frame 1.

[0034] In some specific embodiments, a supplementary light 7 may also be included, which is located on one side of at least two fans 5 and fixed on the support frame 1 above the observation box 3.

[0035] In some specific embodiments, the support frame 1 may include multiple support rods 11, a first support plate 12, a second support plate 13, and a third support plate 14. The multiple support rods 11 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first support plate 12 is arranged perpendicularly to the multiple support rods 11 and fixed to the multiple support rods 11. The first support plate 12 has at least two insertion holes. The second support plate 13 is located parallel above the first support plate 12 and fixed to the multiple support rods 11. The second support plate 13 has at least two fixing holes. The third support plate 14 is located parallel above the second support plate 13 and fixed to the multiple support rods 11. At least two funnels 2 are respectively inserted into at least two insertion holes. At least two fans 5 are respectively fixed into at least two fixing holes. A fill light 7 is fixed to the second support plate 13. A camera is fixed to the third support plate 14.

[0036] In some specific embodiments, at least two gas dryers 8 may also be included, which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two gas outlets and at least two gas injection holes.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, at least two flow meters 9 may also be included, which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two gas dryers 8 and at least two gas injection ports.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, at least one support mesh plate 10 may be included, with at least two support mesh plates 10 arranged along the height direction of the vertical funnel 2 and fixed in at least two funnels 2 respectively; the flavor source release material may be placed on the support mesh plate 10. Specific Implementation

[0039] Experimental methods:

[0040] This embodiment evaluates the effectiveness of an ant olfactory testing instrument by testing the behavioral responses of red imported fire ant worker ants to airflows containing isoeugenol methyl ether at different doses and airflow conditions. Specifically, three airflow conditions (0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 L / min) and four doses (0 (control), 30, 100, and 300 µL) were set, and a total of 12 tests were conducted. To ensure the reliability of the results, each test was repeated 6 times, and the red imported fire ant worker ants used in different tests came from different nests. In addition, during the 6 repeated tests, the positions of the two funnels were swapped after every 3 tests to eliminate the influence of positional factors. The experiment was conducted at 28±2℃ and 65±10%RH. After the experiment, the number of worker ants in the two areas at 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 min was counted according to the video, and the initial (0 min) distribution was counted as 25:25 ants. After the statistics were completed, the corrected repulsion rate was calculated according to formula (1), and the curve of the corrected repulsion rate change under different doses and airflow conditions was plotted.

[0041] Formula (1)

[0042] In formula (1): R is the corrected repellency rate; C is the number of ants in the control area, in heads; T is the number of ants in the treatment area, in heads.

[0043] Experimental results,

[0044] like Figure 2 The results show the effects of isoeugenol methyl ether on the behavior of red imported fire ants under different dosages and airflow conditions.

[0045] The overall trend of the corrected repellency rate: Regardless of the dosage (30, 100, and 300 µL) or different airflow conditions (0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 L / min), the corrected repellency rate gradually increased over time. This indicates that all dosages of isoeugenol methyl ether have a repellent effect on red imported fire ants, and the repellent effect becomes more pronounced over time.

[0046] Effects of different dosages: The corrected repellency rates of isoeugenol methyl ether varied significantly with different dosages, indicating that the repellency effect of isoeugenol methyl ether is dose-dependent. The highest corrected repellency rate and best repellency effect were observed at a dosage of 300 µL; the repellency effect at a dosage of 100 µL was similar to that at 300 µL; however, at a dosage of 30 µL, the repellency effect only approached that of the higher dosages at a flow rate of 1.5 L / min.

[0047] Influence of airflow conditions: At the same dosage, the relationship between flow rate and repellency is not linear. The actual repellency effect of the compound on ants requires different airflow conditions. For example, at a dosage of 300µL, a flow rate of 1.2L / min is more effective at repelling ants than at 0.9L / min and 1.2L / min.

[0048] discuss:

[0049] At 0.5 min, the corrected repellency rate for some doses was negative, which may be due to the ants being in a state of stress for a short period of time after being released.

[0050] Conclusion: This device can effectively compare the effects of volatile compounds on ant behavior under different dosages and airflow conditions. It can be used to efficiently and rapidly screen ant repellents or attractants.

[0051] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ant olfactory detector, characterized in that, include: Support frame (1) At least two funnels (2), both of the funnels (2) are arranged along the height direction of the support frame (1) and are fixed on the support frame (1), the large-area opening ends of the at least two funnels (2) are arranged facing upwards and can each contain flavor source release material, the small-area opening ends of the at least two funnels (2) are each fixed with a sealing plate, and the at least two sealing plates are provided with air injection holes; A transparent observation box (3) is placed on top of at least two funnels (2) and has at least two ventilation holes on its bottom surface. The at least two ventilation holes are respectively connected to at least two funnels (2). The interior of the observation box (3) is fixed with a breathable net (6) for carrying ants along the direction perpendicular to its height. An air pump (4) is provided with at least two air outlets and the at least two air outlets are respectively connected to at least two air injection holes through at least two air pipes; At least two fans (5), the top surface of the observation box (3) is provided with at least two exhaust holes, the at least two exhaust holes are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two ventilation holes; the at least two fans (5) are located above the observation box (3) and are respectively arranged opposite to the at least two exhaust holes, and the at least two fans (5) are fixed on the support frame (1); It also includes a camera, which is located between at least two of the fans (5) and is fixed on the support frame (1) above the observation box (3); It also includes a supplementary light (7), which is located on one side of at least two of the fans (5) and fixed on the support frame (1) above the observation box (3); It also includes at least two gas dryers (8), which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two gas outlets and at least two gas injection holes.

2. The ant olfactory detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes multiple support rods (11), a first support plate (12), a second support plate (13), and a third support plate (14). The multiple support rods (11) are arranged in parallel at intervals. The first support plate (12) is arranged perpendicularly to the multiple support rods (11) and fixed on the multiple support rods (11). The first support plate (12) is provided with at least two insertion holes. The second support plate (13) is located parallel above the first support plate (12) and fixed on the multiple support rods (11). The second support plate (13) is provided with at least two fixing holes. The third support plate (14) is located parallel above the second support plate (13) and fixed on the multiple support rods (11). At least two funnels (2) are respectively inserted into at least two insertion holes. At least two fans (5) are respectively fixed into at least two fixing holes. The fill light (7) is fixed on the second support plate (13). The camera is fixed on the third support plate (14).

3. The ant olfactory detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least two flow meters (9), which are respectively installed on the gas pipe between at least two of the gas dryers (8) and at least two of the gas injection holes.

4. The ant olfactory detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one support mesh plate (10), at least two of the support mesh plates (10) are arranged along the height direction perpendicular to the funnel (2) and are respectively fixed in the at least two funnels (2); the flavor source release can be placed on the support mesh plate (10).

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