Controllable variable model for exploring phototaxis and chemotaxis of insects

Abstract

The invention discloses an adjustable and controllable variable model for exploring phototaxis and chemotaxis of insects, and relates to the technical field of insect research, the adjustable and controllable variable model comprises a main box body, the main box body is made of a light-proof material, and the interior of the main box body is divided into a phototaxis experiment area, a central release area and a chemotaxis experiment area which are adjacent in sequence through two parallel partition plates; one-way selection channels are formed in the partition plates on the two sides, an adjustable light source module is arranged in the phototaxis experiment area, a smell diffusion module is arranged in the chemotaxis experiment area, and the phototaxis experiment area can serve as a demonstration device during teaching and can also serve as a magic box for experiment exploration of interest groups. The phototaxis and chemotaxis of insects are independently explored according to the principle of a single variable, and the effect of light and sex pheromones on insect taxis together can be researched when light and female insects exist at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of insect research technology, specifically to a controllable variable model for exploring phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects. Background Technology

[0002] A thorough investigation of the mechanisms of phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects requires a systematic examination of the combined effects of varying light intensity gradients, combinations of volatile chemical substances, and especially specific pheromones such as sex pheromones, on insect behavioral patterns in the natural environment. However, currently widely used experimental research methods often have significant technical limitations: on the one hand, it is difficult to achieve precise and simultaneous control of multiple variables such as light intensity, spectral composition, and chemical concentration; on the other hand, there is a lack of technical means to perform high-precision dynamic quantification of key environmental parameters. These methodological deficiencies lead to significant differences between laboratory conditions and the complex and variable light conditions and chemical distribution in real natural environments, thus affecting the ecological representativeness and behavioral explanatory power of the research results. Therefore, we propose a controllable variable model to explore phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the significant technical limitations of currently widely used experimental research methods. On the one hand, it is difficult to achieve precise and simultaneous control of multiple variables such as light intensity, spectral composition, and chemical concentration; on the other hand, there is a lack of technical means to dynamically quantify key environmental parameters with high precision. These methodological deficiencies lead to significant differences between laboratory conditions and the complex and variable light conditions and chemical distribution in real natural environments, thus affecting the ecological representativeness and behavioral explanatory power of research results. This invention provides a controllable variable model for exploring phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An adjustable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects includes a main box made of opaque material. The main box is divided into a phototaxis experimental area, a central release area, and a chemotaxis experimental area by two parallel partitions. One-way selection channels are provided on both sides of the partitions. An adjustable light source module is provided in the phototaxis experimental area, and an odor diffusion module is provided in the chemotaxis experimental area.

[0006] Furthermore, the unidirectional selection channel includes a unidirectional channel formed at the bottom of the partition. A transparent elastic card and a light-blocking elastic card are respectively fixedly connected to the outer sides of the partitions corresponding to the unidirectional channel positions. The transparent elastic card covers the unidirectional channel from the phototaxis experimental area side, and its upper side is connected to the partition. The light-blocking elastic card covers the unidirectional channel from the chemotaxis experimental area side, and its upper side is connected to the partition.

[0007] Furthermore, both the transparent elastic card and the light-blocking elastic card are elastic plastic sheets, and the upper sides of the transparent elastic card and the light-blocking elastic card are glued and fixed to the partition.

[0008] Furthermore, the adjustable light source module includes a lamp holder fixed to the upper edge of the outer wall of the phototactic experimental area, an LED light source is fixedly installed on the outer side of the lamp holder, and a dimmer is fixedly connected to the outer side of the main housing near the lamp holder. The LED light source is adhesively connected to the dimmer through the lamp holder.

[0009] Furthermore, the adjustable light source module also includes a light sensor installed in the center of the phototactic experimental area, and the light sensor is electrically connected to the dimmer.

[0010] Furthermore, the odor diffusion module includes a placement drawer, which is inserted and fixed to the lower edge of the outer side of the corresponding chemotaxis experimental area of ​​the main body, and a diffusion cover is inserted and fixed at the top opening of the placement drawer. A micro air pump is embedded in the bottom of the placement drawer, and the air inlet of the micro air pump faces the inner cavity of the chemotaxis experimental area. A chemical odor substance is placed in the middle of the inner cavity of the placement drawer through a placement partition.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper back side of the main box is fitted with an observation box cover via hinges to the phototaxis experimental area, the central release area, and the chemotaxis experimental area, respectively. An observation window is provided in the center of the observation box cover, and a transparent acrylic plate is fixedly connected inside the observation window in the center of the observation box cover. A light-shielding cover plate is fixedly connected to the upper back side of the observation box cover via hinges.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the main box is symmetrically provided with multiple insertion slots, and the two partitions are inserted and fixed in the corresponding insertion slots.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0014] 1. This invention can be used as a demonstration device in teaching and as a "magic box" for interest group experiments. Based on the principle of a single variable, if the light from the adjustable light source module is turned on and insects are placed in the central release area, the phototaxis of insects can be investigated. The effect of brightness on phototaxis can also be investigated by adjusting the brightness of the adjustable light source module. An odor diffusion module is placed in the chemotaxis experimental area on the right side of the main box. If female insects are placed in the odor diffusion module and male insects are placed in the central release area, the female insects can produce sex pheromones, allowing for the investigation of chemotaxis. Furthermore, the effect of the amount of sex pheromones on chemotaxis can be investigated by changing the number of insects. Besides investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis individually, this device can also study the combined effect of light and sex pheromones on insect chemotaxis when light and female insects are present simultaneously.

[0015] 2. The transparent and light-blocking elastic cards in this invention allow insects to move only in one direction through a unidirectional channel, from the central release area to the phototaxis or chemotaxis experimental area, but not in the opposite direction. The transparent elastic cards allow light to pass through, enabling insects in the phototaxis experimental area to perceive the light source and thus exhibit phototaxis; while the light-blocking elastic cards block light entry, ensuring that insects in the chemotaxis experimental area are not disturbed by the light source and can focus on their response to the sex pheromones released by the odor diffusion module, thus exhibiting chemotaxis. This design cleverly combines the research needs of phototaxis and chemotaxis, providing more accurate and reliable data support for experiments.

[0016] 3. The LED light source of this invention features high efficiency, energy saving, long lifespan, and dimmability, which can meet the needs of experiments requiring different light intensities and spectral compositions. The dimmer allows researchers to precisely adjust the brightness of the LED light source according to specific experimental requirements, thereby exploring the effects of different lighting conditions on insect phototaxis. The adhesive connection ensures a stable connection between the LED light source and the dimmer, avoiding lighting instability caused by loosening. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Main chamber; 2. Partition; 3. One-way passage; 4. Transparent elastic card; 5. Light-shielding elastic card; 6. Lamp holder; 7. LED light source; 8. Dimmer; 9. Light sensor; 10. Placement drawer; 11. Miniature air pump; 12. Placement mesh; 13. Diffuser cover; 14. Observation box lid; 15. Light-shielding cover. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 - Figure 3 This invention provides an adjustable variable model for exploring phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects, including a main box 1 made of opaque material. The main box 1 is divided into a phototaxis experimental area, a central release area, and a chemotaxis experimental area by two parallel partitions 2. One-way selection channels are provided on both sides of the partitions 2. An adjustable light source module is provided in the phototaxis experimental area, and an odor diffusion module is provided in the chemotaxis experimental area.

[0023] The working principle and usage of this invention: This device can be used as a demonstration device in teaching or as a "magic box" for interest group experiments. Based on the principle of a single variable, if the light from the adjustable light source module is turned on and insects are placed in the central release area, the phototaxis of insects can be investigated. The effect of brightness on phototaxis can also be investigated by adjusting the brightness of the adjustable light source module. An odor diffusion module is placed in the chemotaxis experimental area on the right side of the main box 1. If female insects are placed in the odor diffusion module and male insects are placed in the central release area, the female insects can produce sex pheromones, allowing for the investigation of chemotaxis. Furthermore, the effect of the amount of sex pheromones on chemotaxis can be investigated by changing the number of insects. Besides investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis individually, this device can also study the combined effect of light and sex pheromones on insect chemotaxis when light and female insects are present simultaneously.

[0024] In this embodiment, preferably, the one-way selection channel includes a one-way channel 3 opened at the bottom of the partition 2. Transparent elastic cards 4 and light-blocking elastic cards 5 are fixedly connected to the outer sides of the partition 2 corresponding to the one-way channel 3, respectively. The transparent elastic card 4 covers the one-way channel 3 from the phototaxis experimental area side, and its upper side is connected to the partition 2. The light-blocking elastic card 5 covers the one-way channel 3 from the chemotaxis experimental area side, and its upper side is connected to the partition 2. The arrangement of the transparent elastic card 4 and the light-blocking elastic card 5 ensures that insects can only pass through the one-way channel 3 in one direction, that is, move from the central release area to the phototaxis experimental area or the chemotaxis experimental area, and cannot move in the opposite direction. The transparent elastic card 4 allows light to pass through, enabling insects in the phototaxis experimental area to perceive the presence of the light source, thus exhibiting phototaxis; while the light-blocking elastic card 5 blocks the entry of light, ensuring that insects in the chemotaxis experimental area are not disturbed by the light source and can focus on their response to the sex pheromones released by the odor diffusion module, thus exhibiting chemotaxis. This design cleverly combines the research needs of phototaxis and chemotaxis, providing more accurate and reliable data support for the experiment.

[0025] In this embodiment, preferably, both the transparent elastic card 4 and the light-blocking elastic card 5 are elastic plastic sheets, and their upper sides are glued to the partition 2. The choice of elastic plastic sheets is based on their good elasticity and durability, allowing them to deform when insects pass through and then quickly return to their original shape, effectively preventing insects from passing through in the opposite direction. Simultaneously, the glued fixing method ensures the stability and sealing of the connection, avoiding light or odor leakage due to weak connections, thus guaranteeing precise control of experimental conditions. Furthermore, this material is easy to clean and maintain, providing convenience for long-term experiments.

[0026] In this embodiment, preferably, the adjustable light source module includes a lamp holder 6 fixed to the upper edge of the outer wall of the phototaxis experimental area. An LED light source 7 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the lamp holder 6. A dimmer 8 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the main housing 1 near the lamp holder 6. The LED light source 7 is adhesively connected to the dimmer 8 through the lamp holder 6. The LED light source 7 is highly efficient, energy-saving, has a long lifespan, and is adjustable, which can meet the needs of different light intensities and spectral compositions in the experiment. The dimmer 8 allows the experimenter to precisely adjust the brightness of the LED light source 7 according to specific experimental requirements, thereby exploring the effect of different lighting conditions on insect phototaxis. The adhesive connection ensures a stable connection between the LED light source 7 and the dimmer 8, avoiding the problem of unstable lighting caused by loosening.

[0027] In this embodiment, preferably, the adjustable light source module further includes a light sensor 9 installed in the center of the phototaxis experimental area, and the light sensor 9 is electrically connected to the dimmer 8. The light sensor 9 is configured to monitor the light intensity in the phototaxis experimental area in real time and feed the data back to the dimmer 8. The dimmer 8 automatically adjusts the brightness of the LED light source 7 according to the received light intensity data, thereby maintaining the stability of the light intensity in the phototaxis experimental area. This automatic adjustment mechanism ensures the accuracy and consistency of experimental conditions and improves the reliability and accuracy of experimental results.

[0028] In this embodiment, preferably, the odor diffusion module includes a drawer 10, which is inserted and fixed to the lower outer edge of the chemotaxis experimental zone of the main body 1. A diffusion cover 13 is inserted and fixed to the top opening of the drawer 10. A micro air pump 11 is embedded in the bottom of the drawer 10, and the air inlet of the micro air pump 11 faces the inner cavity of the chemotaxis experimental zone. A chemical odorant is placed in the middle of the inner cavity of the drawer 10 through a partition 12. The design of the drawer 10 makes the placement and replacement of the chemical odorant convenient and quick. The diffusion cover 13 ensures that the chemical odorant can be evenly diffused into the chemotaxis experimental zone, while preventing insects from directly contacting the chemical odorant. The micro air pump 11 enhances the diffusion effect of the chemical odorant, allowing insects in the chemotaxis experimental zone to more quickly perceive the presence of chemical odorants such as sex pheromones, thereby exhibiting chemotaxis. The partition 12 prevents the accumulation and clumping of the chemical odorant in the drawer 10, ensuring the even release of the chemical odorant.

[0029] In this embodiment, preferably, the upper back side of the main box 1 is hinged to an observation box cover 14 corresponding to the phototaxis experimental area, the central release area, and the chemotaxis experimental area, respectively. An observation window is provided in the center of the observation box cover 14, and a transparent acrylic plate is fixedly connected inside the central observation window. A light-shielding cover 15 is fixedly connected to the upper back side of the observation box cover 14 via a hinge. The observation box cover 14 allows researchers to easily observe insect behavior during the experiment while preventing interference from external light. The transparent acrylic plate is chosen for its good transparency and durability, ensuring the clarity and lifespan of the observation window. The light-shielding cover 15 provides additional light-shielding functionality; when it is necessary to completely block external light, the light-shielding cover 15 can be lowered, thereby ensuring precise control of experimental conditions.

[0030] In this embodiment, preferably, the inner wall of the main housing 1 is symmetrically provided with multiple insertion slots, and the two partitions 2 are inserted and fixed into the corresponding insertion slots. This insertion and fixing method of the insertion slots and partitions 2 ensures the stability and sealing of the internal structure of the main housing 1, avoiding light or odor leakage due to structural loosening. Simultaneously, this design makes the assembly and disassembly of the main housing 1 convenient and quick, facilitating experimental preparation and cleaning. Furthermore, the multiple insertion slots provide the possibility of adjusting the position of the partitions 2, thereby allowing adjustment of the size and proportion of the phototactic experimental area, the central release area, and the chemotactic experimental area according to specific experimental needs.

[0031] 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. A controllable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects, characterized in that: Includes a main box (1), which is made of opaque material. The interior of the main box (1) is divided into a phototactic experimental area, a central release area and a chemotactic experimental area by two parallel partitions (2). A one-way selection channel is provided on both sides of the partitions (2). An adjustable light source module is provided in the phototactic experimental area and an odor diffusion module is provided in the chemotactic experimental area.

2. The adjustable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way selection channel includes a one-way channel (3) opened at the bottom of the partition (2). A transparent elastic card (4) and a light-blocking elastic card (5) are fixedly connected to the outer side of the partition (2) on both sides corresponding to the position of the one-way channel (3). The transparent elastic card (4) covers the one-way channel (3) from the side of the phototaxis experimental area, and the upper side of the transparent elastic card (4) is connected to the partition (2). The light-blocking elastic card (5) covers the one-way channel (3) from the side of the chemotaxis experimental area, and the upper side of the light-blocking elastic card (5) is connected to the partition (2).

3. The adjustable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transparent elastic card (4) and the light-blocking elastic card (5) are both elastic plastic sheets, and the upper sides of the transparent elastic card (4) and the light-blocking elastic card (5) are glued and fixed to the partition (2).

4. The adjustable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustable light source module includes a lamp holder (6) fixed to the upper edge of the outer wall of the phototactic experimental area. An LED light source (7) is fixedly installed on the outer side of the lamp holder (6). A dimmer (8) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the main housing (1) near the lamp holder (6). The LED light source (7) is connected to the dimmer (8) with adhesive tape through the lamp holder (6).

5. A controllable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustable light source module also includes a light sensor (9) installed in the middle of the phototactic experimental area, and the light sensor (9) is electrically connected to the dimmer (8).

6. A controllable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The odor diffusion module includes a drawer (10), which is inserted and fixed to the lower edge of the corresponding chemotaxis experimental area of ​​the main body (1). A diffusion cover net (13) is inserted and fixed at the top opening of the drawer (10). A micro air pump (11) is embedded at the bottom of the drawer (10), and the air inlet of the micro air pump (11) faces the inner cavity of the chemotaxis experimental area. A chemical odor substance is placed in the middle of the inner cavity of the drawer (10) through a partition net (12).

7. A controllable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper back side of the main box (1) is fitted with an observation box cover (14) via a hinge, corresponding to the phototaxis experimental area, the central release area and the chemotaxis experimental area. An observation window is provided in the center of the observation box cover (14). A transparent acrylic plate is fixedly connected inside the observation window in the center of the observation box cover (14). A light-shielding cover plate (15) is fixedly connected to the upper back side of the observation box cover (14) via a hinge.

8. A controllable variable model for investigating phototaxis and chemotaxis in insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (1) has multiple insertion slots symmetrically opened on the inner wall, and the two partitions (2) are inserted and fixed in the corresponding insertion slots.

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