An experimental device for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of grain weevils for spilled stored products

Abstract

An experimental device for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of pantry pests on scattered stored products, comprising an experimental box and a selection platform arranged in the box, the outer edge of the selection platform being attached to the inner wall of the experimental box to form a test space above the selection platform; the selection platform comprises a concave insect placement area and a sample distribution area surrounding the insect placement area, the sample distribution area is provided with a plurality of stored product sample grooves distributed circumferentially around the insect placement area, the groove wall of the stored product sample groove is inclined, and the groove opening area of the stored product sample groove is larger than the groove bottom area; the upper surfaces of the insect placement area and the sample distribution area are provided with protrusions facilitating the crawling of pantry pests; a release cylinder capable of moving up and down is arranged through the box cover of the experimental box, the upper end of the release cylinder extends out of the box cover and is provided with a cylinder cover, the lower end of the release cylinder is open, and the lower end can abut against the insect placement area after moving downward. The present application can allow stored product pests to freely contact and select different food materials during the experiment, thereby more accurately studying their feeding and oviposition preferences.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of stored-product pest research, specifically an experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of stored-product insects on scattered stored products. Background Technology

[0002] Insect feeding and oviposition preferences directly reflect the host's suitability for pest growth, development, and population expansion. Studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects (i.e., warehouse insects) helps determine the susceptibility of different grains, beans, and other stored goods, as well as their processing conditions, to pest infestations, thus enabling the development of more scientific and effective storage management and control strategies. However, current devices for studying insect selection preferences primarily target agricultural pests. These pests typically feed on growing plants, feeding on fresh plant tissues such as leaves and rhizomes. Experimental devices are usually designed to simulate field environments, fixing different plants to observe the pests' selection preferences for different plant species or parts.

[0003] The food of stored-product pests is often highly dispersed grains or grain powder, and most devices used to study the preferences of agricultural pests are clearly unable to hold granular food such as grains and beans. Highly dispersed food may be unevenly distributed during experiments due to inappropriate device structure, thus affecting insect behavior. Currently, there are few devices specifically designed for stored-product pests, with only some olfactory selection behavior research devices. These devices allow insects to select food based on its scent without touching it, only reflecting the insect's preference for the scent.

[0004] For example, Chinese invention patent CN202111008506.3 discloses a device for observing the host selection of food-storing insects. Figure 7 As shown, different odor sources are introduced into the device through two arms. The test insects are released from the main arm. When an insect crawls into one of the arms and travels a certain distance, it is considered that it has made a selection.

[0005] For example, Chinese invention patent CN202210685259.9 discloses a device for comparing and testing the food preference of reptiles, such as... Figure 5 , 6 As shown, after placing the test insect in the center of the device, it is allowed to choose from the different food cups around the circular platform. When it approaches the food it likes, it will fall into that food cup, and this is considered to be a preference selection.

[0006] Before feeding and laying eggs, insects need to evaluate their hosts using multiple senses, including touch and taste, in addition to smell. The two existing devices reflect the insects' olfactory preferences for different foods or odor sources. However, the insects do not come into contact with the food during the selection process, so it is impossible to test the insects' feeding and egg-laying preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an experimental device for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials, allowing the stored material pests to freely contact and select different foods during the experiment, thereby more accurately studying their feeding and oviposition preferences.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, the specific solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an experimental device for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials, including an experimental box and a selection platform set inside the box. The outer edge of the selection platform is fitted with the inner wall of the experimental box to form a test space above the selection platform. The selection platform includes a recessed insect placement area and a sample distribution area surrounding the insect placement area. The sample distribution area is provided with multiple storage sample slots arranged circumferentially around the insect placement area. The slot walls of the storage sample slots are inclined, and the slot opening area is larger than the slot bottom area. The upper surfaces of the insect placement area and the sample distribution area are provided with protrusions to facilitate the crawling of storage insects. A release tube that can move up and down is inserted through the lid of the experimental box. The upper end of the release tube extends out of the lid and is provided with a tube cover. The lower end of the release tube is open and can be moved down to abut against the insect placement area.

[0009] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, an annular raised structure is formed between the insect placement area and the sample distribution area. The raised structure has ramps on both the side facing the insect placement area and the side facing the storage sample tank. The upper surface of the raised structure has protrusions to facilitate the crawling of the storage insects.

[0010] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, the opening of the storage sample tank is fan-shaped.

[0011] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, the sample storage tank is formed by recessing the plane of the platform.

[0012] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, a self-flow valve is installed at the bottom of the storage sample tank.

[0013] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, the outer wall of the insect release tube is provided with external threads, and the cover is provided with an installation hole, the wall of which is provided with an internal thread that matches the external threads.

[0014] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, the inner wall of the experimental chamber is provided with a support for supporting the selection platform.

[0015] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, the support part is a boss or protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the box.

[0016] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, a fence is set on the outer edge of the platform, the outer wall of the fence is connected to the inner side of the side wall of the box, and the upper edge of the fence is connected to the inner side of the top of the box cover.

[0017] As a further optimization of the above technical solution, a rubber ring is provided at the joint between the box body and the lid of the experimental chamber, and a clamp is provided on the outside of the experimental chamber to clamp the box body and the lid.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] The selection platform of this invention has protrusions on its surface and the insect placement area is recessed. On the one hand, when the lower end of the insect release tube comes into contact with the insect placement area, an acute angle is formed between the side wall of the insect placement area and the insect release tube, which to some extent prevents the test insects from escaping from the insect release tube. On the other hand, since the insect release tube itself is relatively long, there may be positional deviations during its up-and-down movement. By making the insect placement area recessed, the lower end of the insect release tube can be accurately fixed in the insect placement area of ​​the selection platform.

[0020] The protrusions on the platform surface and the sufficiently high test space in this invention facilitate the crawling and flying of test insects. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage sample tank gradually decreases along its depth direction, and the sidewall of the storage sample tank is an inclined surface for the test insects to crawl on, allowing the test insects to freely enter and exit between different samples. The fan-shaped cross-section design makes full use of the platform space and increases the contact area between the storage material and the test insects in each storage sample tank.

[0021] This invention employs a threaded release tube and a rotating handwheel, enabling precise control of insect release by raising and lowering the release tube. This not only ensures that the insects begin release from the center of the platform but also allows for control over the timing of release, allowing them to adapt to the testing environment before release. This design avoids randomness in insect release, ensuring that each experiment starts from the same point, and provides the insects with time and space to adapt to the testing environment. It reduces the impact of environmental changes or fright on insect behavior, significantly improving the controllability and repeatability of the experiment.

[0022] This invention features a conical sample trough on a selection platform, equipped with a self-flowing valve at the bottom. This innovative design not only better adapts to and utilizes the characteristics of loosely stored materials such as grains, beans, and powdered processed products, ensuring good sample fixation within the trough, but also allows for controlled and smooth outflow. Furthermore, because all sample troughs have the same structure and equal spacing, when samples of equal volume are placed, the stacking height and surface area of ​​each sample remain consistent. Therefore, regardless of the sample's properties, the distance between the test insect and each sample is the same when starting from the center of the platform, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the experiment. One of the key aspects of this design is the combined use of the conical structure and the self-flowing valve, which both ensures sample fixation and prevents spillage, and standardizes the distance between the test insect and each sample, thereby eliminating the influence of distance differences on the test insect's selection behavior.

[0023] This invention employs a pressure-sealed escape-prevention design. By setting a circular rubber sealing ring between the lid and the body, and combining it with the tight connection between the stainless steel locking clip and the front hook, this design uses the pressure applied by the locking clip to create a strong seal between the lid and the body, and between the lid and the platform enclosure, effectively preventing insects from escaping from the joints between different structures. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of the experimental setup;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the experimental setup;

[0026] Figure 3 A top-down view of the platform selection;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a top view of the experimental setup;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a side view schematic diagram of a test device for comparing the food selection preferences of crawling gnats in the prior art;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of a test device for comparing the food selection preferences of crawling gnats in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a device for observing host selection in stored-grain insects in existing technology;

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Box body, 2. Self-flowing valve, 3. Sample storage tank, 4. Rubber ring, 5. Clamp lock, 501. Front hook, 502. Locking clamp, 6. Insect release tube, 7. Box cover, 8. Mounting hole, 9. Guide sleeve, 10. Rotating handwheel, 11. Tube cover, 12. Test insect, 13. Storage, 14. Selection platform, 1401. Insect placement area, 1402. Raised structure, 1403. Sample distribution area, 1404. Enclosure, 15. Support, 16. Test space. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Parts not described or disclosed in detail in the following embodiments of the present invention should be understood as prior art known or should be known by those skilled in the art.

[0033] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this invention discloses an experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials. The apparatus includes an experimental box, a selection platform 14 disposed within the experimental box, and a release tube 6 for conveying test insects 12 to the selection platform 14. The outer edge of the selection platform 14 is fitted against the inner wall of the experimental box to form a test space 16 above the selection platform 14 for the test insects 12 to fly. The upper surface of the selection platform 14 has protrusions to facilitate the crawling of the test insects 12. The test insects 12 are the storage insects to be studied.

[0034] Specifically, the experimental chamber has a cylindrical outer shape and an internal cylindrical cavity. The experimental chamber includes a body 1 and a lid 7. Both the body 1 and the lid 7 are made of black, non-transparent material, and the inner walls are made of smooth material. The selection platform 14 is a horizontally arranged circular transparent platform inside the experimental chamber, and the plane on which the selection platform 14 is located is a horizontal plane.

[0035] The selection platform 14 includes a recessed insect placement area 1401 and a sample distribution area 1403 surrounding the insect placement area 1401. The insect placement area 1401 is circular and concentrically distributed with the selection platform 14. Multiple sample storage slots 3 are arranged circumferentially around the insect placement area 1401 within the sample distribution area 1403. The selection platform 14 has a smooth-walled barrier 1404 along its edge to prevent the test insects 12 from escaping. The outer wall of the barrier 1404 is connected to the inner side wall of the box cover 7, and the upper edge of the barrier 1404 is connected to the inner top of the box cover 7. The height of the barrier 1404 is more than 10 cm, thus providing sufficient height in the testing space 16 for the test insects 12 to fly.

[0036] An annular protrusion 1402 is formed between the insect placement area 1401 and the sample distribution area 1403. The protrusion 1402 has a slope on the side facing the insect placement area 1401 and the side facing the storage sample trough 3. The slope of the protrusion 1402 facing the insect placement area 1401 is the sidewall of the recessed insect placement area 1401.

[0037] The slope of the raised structure 1402 facing the insect placement area 1401 is relatively steep, preferably with an acute angle of 45-75 degrees between the slope and the horizontal plane; the slope of the slope facing the storage sample tank 3 is relatively gentle, preferably with an acute angle of 15-30 degrees between the slope and the horizontal plane. In this experimental apparatus, the insect placement area 1401 is set as a concave structure, and the angle between the side wall of the insect placement area 1401 and the side wall of the insect release tube 6 is an acute angle. Since the lower end of the insect release tube 6 can abut against the upper surface of the insect placement area 1401, and the upper surface of the insect placement area 1401 is provided with a protrusion, a gap inevitably forms between the lower end of the insect release tube 6 and the upper surface of the insect placement area 1401. Setting the angle between the side wall of the insect placement area 1401 and the side wall of the insect release tube 6 as an acute angle facilitates the release of the insect tube. After the lower end of the release tube 6 detaches from the insect placement area 1401, the test insect 12 crawls out of the insect placement area 1401. When the lower end of the release tube 6 comes into contact with the insect placement area 1401, it can prevent the test insect 12 from escaping from the gap between the release tube 6 and the insect placement area 1401 to a certain extent. In addition, since the release tube 6 itself is relatively long, there may be positional deviations during the up and down movement. Setting the insect placement area 1401 to be concave can make the lower end of the release tube 6 accurately fixed in the insect placement area 1401 of the selection platform 14.

[0038] In other embodiments of the present invention, the inclined surface of the protruding structure 1402 facing the insect placement area 1401 is connected to the side wall of the recessed insect placement area 1401.

[0039] In this embodiment, there are six sample storage tanks 3. The tank walls are sloped surfaces to facilitate the crawling of insects. The slope on the side facing the protruding structure 1402 is gentler, with an acute angle of 15-30 degrees between the slope and the horizontal plane. The slope on the side away from the protruding structure 1402 is steeper, with an acute angle of 45-75 degrees between the slope and the horizontal plane. The adjacent sidewalls of different sample storage tanks 3 are also relatively gentle, with an acute angle of 15-60 degrees between the slope and the horizontal plane. This angled slope increases the resistance for the test insects 12 to crawl towards the outer edge of the selection platform 14 within the sample storage tanks 3, facilitating the free selection of the test insects 12 among different sample storage tanks 3. The opening of the sample storage tank 3 is fan-shaped, and the bottom is circular, with the opening area larger than the bottom area. The fan-shaped cross-section design makes full use of the selection platform space and increases the contact area between the stored materials and the test insects in each sample storage tank 3. It should be noted that the fan-shaped slot of the storage sample slot 3 in this invention refers to a slot with a fan shape, including an inner arc close to the insect placement area 1401, an outer arc away from the insect placement area 1401, and two side edges connecting the two ends of the inner arc and the outer arc. The arc length of the inner arc is less than that of the outer arc, and the diameter of the circular slot bottom is less than that of the arc length of the inner arc.

[0040] The overall structure of the storage sample tank 3 is similar to a cone, with the cross-section gradually decreasing from top to bottom. The bottom of the tank is equipped with a circular self-flow valve 2, which is used to release the stored material 13 in the tank. The storage sample tank 3 is designed to ensure that the distance between the scattered sample and the insect placement area 1401 is the same when the volume is the same.

[0041] The storage sample tank 3 and the selection platform 14 are integrally formed, that is, the plane of the selection platform 14 is recessed to form the storage sample tank 3.

[0042] This invention designs a conical sample storage tank 3 on the selection platform 14, equipped with a self-flowing valve 2 at the bottom. This solves the problem of effectively fixing scattered samples in current insect selection behavior research devices. It not only better adapts to and utilizes the characteristics of scattered stored materials such as grains, beans, and powdered processed products, ensuring good fixation of different stored samples within the tank, but also allows for smooth, controlled outflow. Furthermore, since all sample storage tanks 3 have the same structure and equal spacing, when samples of equal volume are placed, the stacking height and surface area of ​​each sample remain consistent. Therefore, regardless of the sample properties, the distance between the insect 12 and each sample is the same when starting from the center of the platform, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the experiment. The combined use of the conical sample storage tank 3 and the self-flowing valve 2 ensures that the samples are fixed and do not scatter, and also unifies the distance between the insect 12 and each sample, thereby eliminating the influence of distance differences on the insect 12's selection behavior. It also provides a convenient and efficient sample recovery method. Scattered food samples are often difficult to remove from the groove, but the design of the self-flow valve 2 effectively solves this problem. With the self-flow valve 2, researchers can easily control the flow of samples, allowing scattered food samples to be smoothly discharged from the sample groove 3, thereby simplifying the sample recovery process after the experiment and improving the operational efficiency of the experiment.

[0043] The upper surface of the selection platform 14 (including the insect placement area 1401, the sample distribution area 1403, and the raised structure 1402) is provided with raised areas to facilitate the crawling of insects. Since some insects live in grains or powdery substances for a long time, their legs cannot adapt to a completely smooth plane and they cannot crawl on it. Therefore, granular raised areas are provided on the surface of the selection platform 14 to make the surface of the selection platform 14 rough, so as to avoid the influence of a smooth plane on the insect's behavior.

[0044] The insect release tube 6 is inserted through the lid 7 of the experimental chamber and can move up and down. The upper end of the insect release tube 6 extends out of the lid 7 and is provided with a tube cover 11. The lower end of the insect release tube 6 is open and can be moved down to abut against the insect placement area 1401.

[0045] The cover 7 has an installation hole 8 for installing the insect release tube 6. The wall of the installation hole 8 is provided with internal threads. The cover 7 and the insect release tube 6 are connected by threads to enable the insect release tube 6 to move up and down.

[0046] The insect release tube 6 is a cylindrical, opaque structure with a consistent inner diameter and smooth inner wall. The outer wall is divided into three parts: the lower part is smooth, the middle part has external threads that mate with the mounting hole 8, and the upper part has a protruding rotating handwheel 10 with anti-slip texture for easy hand-held rotation. Above the rotating handwheel 10 is an external thread that matches the tube cap 11. The tube cap 11 is threaded onto the upper end of the insect release tube 6, and its inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the insect release tube 6. It can be screwed tightly onto the upper end of the insect release tube 6 to achieve a sealed effect. The upper end of the tube cap 11 is fitted with a 180-mesh stainless steel mesh as a top cover. The mesh diameter is approximately 3 / 4 of the tube cap 11's diameter, ensuring gas flow while preventing the test insects 12 from escaping.

[0047] To improve the stability of the insect release tube 6, a guide sleeve 9 is fixedly installed inside the mounting hole 8 of the cover 7. An internal thread that matches the external thread on the insect release tube 6 is formed on the inner wall of the guide sleeve 9. The length of the guide sleeve 9 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 5 of the length of the insect release tube 6. In addition, a guide sleeve 9 with the same diameter as the mounting hole 8 can also be installed on the inner side and / or outer side of the top of the cover 7. The guide sleeve 9 can be fixed to the top of the cover 7.

[0048] This invention employs a threaded release tube 6 and a rotating handwheel 10, enabling precise control of the release of test insects 12 by raising and lowering the release tube 6. This not only ensures that the test insects 12 start from the center of the platform but also controls the timing of their release, allowing them to adapt to the test environment before release. This design avoids randomness in the release process, ensuring that each experiment starts from the same point, and provides the test insects with time and space to adapt to the test environment. It reduces the impact of environmental changes or fright on the behavior of the test insects 12, significantly improving the controllability and repeatability of the experiment.

[0049] The inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a support part 15 for supporting the selection platform 14. The support part 15 is a boss or protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the housing 1. The edge of the selection platform 14 is supported on the support part 15. The storage sample tank 3 is suspended inside the housing 1. A certain space is left between the self-flow valve 2 at the bottom of the storage sample tank 3 and the bottom of the housing 1.

[0050] The experimental chamber is equipped with external clamping latches 5 for securing the chamber body 1 and the lid 7. Four stainless steel front hooks 501 are evenly distributed around the upper edge of the outer wall of the chamber body 1. Figure 3 , 4As shown in the diagram, corresponding to the position of the locking clip 502 on the lid 7, the front hook 501 and the locking clip 502 form the clamping buckle 5. The specific structure of the front hook 501 and the locking clip 502 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. The height, inner diameter, and outer diameter of the box body 1 and the lid 7 are the same. A circular rubber ring 4 is provided at the closing point of the box body 1 and the lid 7 to ensure that after the locking clip 502 and the front hook 501 are fastened, the box body 1 and the lid 7, and the lid 7 and the upper edge of the platform enclosure 1404 are tightly connected, and the test insects 12 cannot escape. The clamping buckle 5 and the rubber ring 4 work together to form a pressure-sealed anti-escape mechanism. At the same time, the inner walls of the lid 7, the platform enclosure 1404, and the insect release tube 6 are all made of smooth material, further reducing the possibility of the test insects escaping.

[0051] Insects, typically tiny in size, possess exceptional burrowing abilities and can easily escape through gaps in the device. To address this characteristic, this invention employs a pressure-sealed escape-prevention design, creating a robust seal between the lid 7 and the body 1, and between the lid 7 and the enclosure 1404 of the selection platform 14. This effectively prevents insects from escaping from the joints between different bodies 1 and the lid 7. Furthermore, the inner walls of the lid 7, the enclosure 1404 of the selection platform 14, and the insect release tube 6 are all made of smooth material, further reducing the possibility of insect 12 escaping. In addition, the outer wall of the enclosure 1404 on the selection platform 14 fits snugly against the inner walls of the lid 7 and the body 1. Located on the inner side of the joint between the lid 7 and the body 1, the enclosure 1404 further seals the lid 7 and body 1, further preventing the escape of the insect 12.

[0052] In this invention, the granular protrusions on the surface of the selection platform 14 and the sufficiently high testing space 16 facilitate the crawling and flight of the test insect 12. Furthermore, the longitudinal cone-like structure between adjacent sample storage compartments 13 forms a non-perpendicular ramp, allowing the test insect 12 to freely enter and exit between different sample storage compartments 13. The fan-shaped cross-section design fully utilizes the space of the selection platform 14, increasing the contact area between the sample and the test insect 12 in each sample storage compartment 13. In contrast, existing devices typically rely on the crawling distance of the test insect (e.g., Figure 6 ) or whether they fell into a vertical trap (such as Figure 4 , 5 These methods, which rely solely on olfaction to determine the insect's reaction to the sample's odor, fail to achieve actual contact with the sample and thus cannot effectively simulate the insect's feeding and oviposition behaviors. Furthermore, existing devices cannot test flying crickets. This invention, by creating a relatively enclosed testing space 16 above the selection platform 14, can simultaneously meet the needs of both crawling and flying crickets, demonstrating broad adaptability.

[0053] Before feeding and laying eggs, insects typically evaluate their hosts using multiple senses, including touch and taste. In existing technologies (such as patent CN202210685259.9), the insects rely entirely on smell to select their hosts. Once they fall into the food container, they cannot climb out, and the experiment is considered complete. Therefore, this device can only determine which odor the insect prefers. Even if the insect's hardness, shape, size, or taste is unsuitable, it will still lay eggs and feed within that container. Thus, such devices are generally unsuitable for determining the insect's egg-laying and feeding preferences; they are primarily used to reflect the attraction of different food odors to the insect. After placing the insect in the container, selection is usually completed within seconds or minutes, resulting in a short experimental time. This invention provides sufficient contact time and space, ensuring the insect can freely and fully interact with each sample. It typically requires waiting several days for the insect to lay eggs before removal, extending the experimental duration and thus more accurately reflecting its natural behavioral selection. This design not only improves the scientific rigor of the experiment and the reliability of the results, but also fills the gap in the current research on the feeding and oviposition preferences of barn bugs, which lack corresponding devices.

[0054] The following application experiments were conducted using the device of the present invention:

[0055] Experimental Example 1 (Study on the oviposition preference of the bean weevil for 6 different types of beans)

[0056] Experimental Apparatus and Sample Preparation: This embodiment uses the experimental apparatus of the present invention to study the oviposition preference of bean weevils for six different types of beans. The experimental apparatus includes a lid 7, a selection platform 14, a sample storage tank 13, an insect release tube 6, and a self-flowing valve 2. The sample storage tank 13 on the selection platform 14 adopts a conical structure design and is equipped with a self-flowing valve 2 at the bottom to ensure the fixation and controlled outflow of scattered bean samples. Six different varieties of beans were selected for the experiment. 50 ml of each bean sample was taken and poured into the six sample storage tanks 13 respectively. The samples in each sample storage tank 13 were leveled to ensure that the surface of the accumulation was horizontal and the height was consistent, ensuring that the distance between the test insect 12 and each sample was equal when it started from the insect placement area 1401.

[0057] Device Assembly and Release of Test Insects 12: First, place the selection platform 14 containing six types of bean samples at the receiving end of the box body 1. Then, place the rubber ring 4 and the box cover 7 onto the box body 1 in sequence. Align and lock the locking clips 502 and front hooks 501 of the stainless steel clips 5 of the box body 1 and the box cover 7 to form a sealed, dark testing space 16. Next, insert the release tube 6 through the mounting hole 8 of the box cover 7 and rotate the release tube 6 so that its bottom is in close contact with the insect placement area 1401 of the selection platform 14, ensuring that the test insects 12 can be accurately guided to the center of the platform. Subsequently, place the entire device in the constant temperature and humidity incubator required for the experiment to equilibrate. After the temperature and humidity inside and outside the incubator are consistent, release 30 mated female adult insects of the same period into the release tube 6 and tighten the tube cover 11. After they have fully adapted to the testing environment, slowly rotate the handwheel of the release tube 6 to raise it, release the test insects 12, and begin the experiment.

[0058] Experimental setup and results analysis: Timing was started after the release of test insect 12. After 72 hours of free egg-laying in the device, the selection platform 14 was removed, and the self-flow valve 2 was opened to discharge the sample into the culture dish. After removing all adult insects, the number of eggs on different beans was observed and recorded under a microscope. By counting the number of eggs laid by bean weevils in 6 sample tanks, the egg-laying preference of bean weevils for different beans was analyzed.

[0059] Experimental Example 2 (Study on the feeding preferences of maize weevils to three wheat varieties)

[0060] Experimental Apparatus and Sample Preparation: This embodiment uses the experimental apparatus of the present invention to study the feeding preferences of maize weevils for three different wheat varieties. The experimental apparatus includes a lid 7, a selection platform 14, a sample storage tank 13, an insect release tube 6, and a self-flowing valve 2. The sample storage tank 13 on the selection platform 14 adopts a conical structure design and is equipped with a self-flowing valve 2 at the bottom to ensure the fixation and controlled outflow of scattered wheat samples. Three different wheat varieties were selected for the experiment. Two 40ml samples of each variety were taken and weighed. The samples of the same variety were symmetrically poured into the sample storage tank 13. The samples in each sample storage tank 13 were leveled to ensure that the pile surface was horizontal and the height was consistent, ensuring that the maize weevils were equidistant from each sample when they started from the insect placement area 1401.

[0061] Device Assembly and Release of Test Insects 12: First, place the selection platform 14 containing the wheat sample at the receiving end of the box 1. Then, place the rubber ring 4 and the box cover 7 on the box 1 in sequence. Align and lock the locking clips 502 and front hooks 501 of the stainless steel clips 5 of the box 1 and the box cover 7 to form a sealed, dark testing space 16. Next, insert the release tube 6 through the mounting hole 8 of the box cover 7 and rotate the release tube 6 so that its bottom is in close contact with the insect placement area 1401 of the selection platform 14, ensuring that the test insects 12 can be accurately guided to the center of the platform. Subsequently, place the entire device in the constant temperature and humidity incubator required for the experiment to equilibrate. After the temperature and humidity inside and outside the incubator are consistent, release 100 adult corn weevils into the release tube 6 and tighten the tube cover 11. After they have fully adapted to the testing environment, slowly rotate the handwheel of the release tube 6 to raise it, release the test insects 12, and begin the experiment.

[0062] Experimental setup and results analysis: Timing was started after the release of test insect 12. After 14 days of free feeding in the device, the selection platform 14 was removed, the self-flow valve 2 was opened to allow the sample to flow out into the petri dish, and after all adult insects were removed, the sample was weighed again. By statistically analyzing the weight loss and insect damage rate of each wheat variety, the feeding preference of the maize weevil for different wheat varieties was compared.

[0063] Experiment Example 3 (Study on the oviposition preference of rice moths for different processing states)

[0064] Experimental Apparatus and Sample Preparation: This embodiment uses the experimental apparatus of the present invention to study the oviposition preference of *Paecilomyces cerevisiae* for six different rice processing states: whole rice, brown rice, white rice, rice flour, brown rice flour, and rice bran. The experimental apparatus includes a lid 7, a selection platform 14, a sample storage tank 13, an insect release tube 6, and a self-flowing valve 2. The sample storage tank 13 on the selection platform 14 adopts a conical structure design and is equipped with a self-flowing valve 2 at the bottom to ensure the fixation and controlled outflow of scattered samples. 40 ml of each sample is poured into the sample storage tank 13. The samples in each sample storage tank 13 are leveled to ensure a consistent surface and height, ensuring that the distance between the *Paecilomyces cerevisiae* and each sample is equal when starting from the insect placement area 1401.

[0065] Assembly of the apparatus and release of the test insects 12: First, place the selection platform 14 containing the sample at the receiving end of the box body 1. Then, place the rubber ring 4 and the box cover 7 on the box body 1 in sequence. Align and lock the locking clips 502 and front hooks 501 of the stainless steel clips 5 of the box body 1 and the box cover 7 to form a sealed, dark test space 16. Next, insert the release tube 6 through the mounting hole 8 of the box cover 7 and rotate the release tube 6 so that its bottom is in close contact with the insect placement area 1401 of the selection platform 14, ensuring that the test insects 12 can be accurately guided to the center of the platform. Subsequently, place the entire apparatus in the constant temperature and humidity incubator required for the experiment to equilibrate. After the temperature and humidity inside and outside the incubator are consistent, release 50 adult rice beetles into the release tube 6 and tighten the tube cover 11. After they have fully adapted to the test environment, slowly rotate the handwheel of the release tube 6 to raise it, release the test insects 12, and begin the experiment.

[0066] Experimental Setup and Results Analysis: Timing began after the release of test insects 12. After one week of free egg-laying within the apparatus, selection platform 14 was removed. Because *Strombus haematomarginatus* eggs are small and often hidden in crevices, their number is difficult to directly observe and count. Therefore, the number of emerging progeny insects is often used to indirectly reflect the number of eggs laid. After opening the sample tank's self-flow valve 2 to drain the sample into the culture dish, all adult insects were removed and placed into different culture bottles for further cultivation. Once the adult progeny began to emerge, the number of adult progeny insects was recorded daily until no new adults emerged. The total number of individuals emerging from different samples was then counted, and their egg-laying preferences on different samples were compared.

[0067] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials, characterized in that, It includes a test chamber and a selection platform (14) set inside the chamber. The outer edge of the selection platform (14) fits against the inner wall of the test chamber to form a test space above the selection platform (14). The selection platform (14) includes a recessed insect-holding area (1401) and a sample distribution area (1403) surrounding the insect-holding area (1401). The sample distribution area (1403) is provided with multiple storage sample troughs (3) that are circumferentially spaced around the insect-holding area (1401). The walls of the storage sample troughs (3) are inclined, and the area of ​​the opening of the storage sample troughs (3) is larger than the area of ​​the bottom of the trough. The upper surfaces of both the insect-holding area (1401) and the sample distribution area (1403) are provided with protrusions that facilitate the crawling of insects. The lid (7) of the experimental box is fitted with an insect release tube (6) that can move up and down. The upper end of the insect release tube (6) extends out of the lid (7) and is fitted with a tube cover (11). The lower end of the insect release tube (6) is open and can be moved down to abut against the insect placement area (1401). A ring-shaped protrusion structure (1402) is formed between the insect placement area (1401) and the sample distribution area (1403). The protrusion structure (1402) is provided with ramps on the side facing the insect placement area (1401) and the side facing the storage sample trough (3). The upper surface of the protrusion structure (1402) is provided with protrusions to facilitate the crawling of the storage insects. The recessed plane of the selected platform (14) forms the storage sample groove (3); The opening of the sample storage tank (3) is fan-shaped; The bottom of the storage sample tank (3) is equipped with a self-flow valve (2).

2. The experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of barn insects on scattered stored materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the insect release tube (6) is provided with external threads, and the cover (7) is provided with an installation hole (8). The wall of the installation hole (8) is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread.

3. The experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of barn insects on scattered stored materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the experimental chamber (1) is provided with a support part (16) for supporting the selection platform (14).

4. The experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of barn insects on scattered stored materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support part (16) is a boss or protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the box (1).

5. The experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the platform (14) is provided with a fence (1404), the outer wall of the fence (1404) is connected to the inner side of the side wall of the box, and the upper edge of the fence (1404) is connected to the inner side of the top of the box cover (7).

6. The experimental apparatus for studying the feeding and oviposition preferences of storage insects on scattered stored materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rubber ring (4) is provided at the joint of the box body (1) and the box cover (7) of the experimental box, and a clamp (5) is provided on the outside of the experimental box to clamp the box body (1) and the box cover (7).

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