Aphid rearing cage

Abstract

The utility model discloses an aphid rearing cage, and particularly relates to the technical field of insect rearing and plant aphid resistance phenotype observation, the aphid rearing cage comprises a net frame cage, net covers and sleevelets, the net frame cage comprises a bottom net plate and a top net cage, the top net cage is detachably connected with the bottom net plate, the net covers are sleeved outside the top net cage and the bottom net plate, and the sleevelets are sleeved outside the top net cage and the bottom net plate. The mesh size of the mesh enclosure can prevent aphids from escaping from the mesh frame cage, the top net cage is provided with an operation opening and an observation opening, the sleeve is fixedly connected with the operation opening, and an observation window is installed on the observation opening. The aphid feeding device is simple in structure and convenient to operate, can meet accurate feeding and observation requirements of a laboratory, and remarkably improves aphid feeding efficiency and reliability of experimental data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of insect breeding and plant aphid resistance phenotypic observation technology, and in particular to an aphid breeding cage. Background Technology

[0002] Aphids are global agricultural pests that pose a serious threat to many economic crops, such as wheat, soybeans, and vegetables. They reproduce rapidly, are highly adaptable, and can transmit plant viruses, causing billions of dollars in economic losses annually. To develop efficient and environmentally friendly control methods (such as biological control, gene interference, or novel pesticides), researchers need to conduct long-term observations of aphid biological characteristics, behavioral patterns, and the evolution of pesticide resistance. This depends on a stable and controllable aphid rearing environment. Simultaneously, the large-scale breeding of natural enemy insects (such as ladybugs and lacewings) in biological control also requires sufficient aphids as feed.

[0003] However, traditional aphid rearing methods often employ simple containers (such as glass jars or plastic boxes) or fixed greenhouses. These traditional containers have only a single small operating opening, which can only hold small host plants, not large ones, thus affecting rearing efficiency. Furthermore, researchers often cannot directly observe aphid populations using these containers, requiring manual counting by removing the host plants. However, the operating openings are usually fitted with sleeves to prevent other insects from entering the container. When removing the plant, these sleeves can come into physical contact with the leaves or stems where aphids inhabit, causing them to fall off and affecting the accuracy of experimental data. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aphid rearing cage to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, can meet the needs of precise breeding and observation in the laboratory, and significantly improves the efficiency of aphid breeding and the reliability of experimental data.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:

[0006] This utility model provides an aphid rearing cage, including a wire mesh cage, a wire mesh cover, and a sleeve. The wire mesh cage includes a bottom wire mesh plate and a top wire mesh box. The top wire mesh box is detachably connected to the bottom wire mesh plate. The wire mesh cover is fitted over both the top wire mesh box and the bottom wire mesh plate. The mesh size of the wire mesh cover is large enough to prevent aphids from escaping from the wire mesh cage. The top wire mesh box has an operation port and an observation port. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the operation port, and an observation window is installed on the observation port.

[0007] Preferably, the top mesh box is detachably connected to the bottom mesh plate via a magnetic connector.

[0008] Preferably, the magnetic connector includes a top mesh box magnet and a bottom mesh plate magnet, the top mesh box magnet and the bottom mesh plate magnet have different magnetic poles, a plurality of top mesh box magnets are fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the top mesh box along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of bottom mesh plate magnets are fixedly installed on the top edge of the bottom mesh plate along the circumferential direction.

[0009] Preferably, the top mesh box magnet has a protrusion, and the bottom mesh plate magnet has a groove that matches the protrusion.

[0010] Preferably, the wire mesh cage is made of stainless steel.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the observation window is provided with a silicon dioxide coating.

[0012] Preferably, the observation window is made of polycarbonate or optical-grade acrylic.

[0013] Preferably, a magnifying glass is installed in the center of the observation window.

[0014] Preferably, the opening at the end of the sleeve furthest from the top mesh box is closed by a zipper.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a silicone sealing gasket, and the silicone sealing gasket is provided on both the top mesh box magnet and the bottom mesh plate magnet.

[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:

[0017] This invention provides an aphid rearing cage with a split upper and lower mesh frame, suitable for placing large host plants, improving space utilization and rearing efficiency, and also facilitating cleaning and disinfection. Separating the top mesh box from the bottom mesh plate allows for the removal of the host plant, reducing the chance of physical contact and aphid shedding, thus ensuring the accuracy of experimental data. A mesh cover over the cage provides both breathability and physical barrier, effectively intercepting aphid nymphs and adults while allowing air circulation to maintain a microenvironmental balance. Researchers can perform feeding and sampling operations through sleeves and an operating port; quickly closing the sleeve opening after operation reduces the risk of escape due to human error. An observation window allows researchers to observe aphid mouthpart movement and honeydew secretion in situ, avoiding frequent opening of the cage and interference with experimental samples. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an aphid rearing cage;

[0020] Figure 2 A breakdown diagram of an aphid rearing cage;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a breakdown diagram of the magnetic connector.

[0022] In the diagram: 1-mesh cage; 2-mesh cover; 3-sleeve; 4-observation window; 5-bottom mesh plate; 6-top mesh box; 7-top mesh box magnet; 8-bottom mesh plate magnet; 9-magnifying glass; 10-silicone sealing gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aphid rearing cage to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, can meet the needs of precise breeding and observation in the laboratory, and significantly improves the efficiency of aphid breeding and the reliability of experimental data.

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] This utility model provides an aphid rearing cage, such as Figures 1-2As shown, the system includes a net cage 1, a net cover 2, and a sleeve 3. The net cage 1 is rectangular and includes a bottom net plate 5 and a top net box 6. The top net box 6 is detachably connected to the bottom net plate 5. Both the top net box 6 and the bottom net plate 5 are covered by net covers 2. The mesh size of the net covers 2 is large enough to prevent aphids from escaping from the net cage 1. The top net box 6 has an operation port and an observation port. The sleeve 3 is fixedly connected to the operation port, and the observation port is equipped with an observation window 4. The net cage 1 adopts an innovative split-type structure design, which is suitable for placing large host plants. Compared with the traditional integrated net cage 1, its space utilization is greatly improved, and the breeding efficiency is also significantly improved. The split design is suitable for various scenarios such as small-scale laboratory research and large-scale production of biological control enterprises, reducing the cost of repeated equipment purchases. It also facilitates daily maintenance. When it is necessary to clean and disinfect the inside of the net cage 1, the staff can easily separate the bottom net plate 5 and the top net box 6, which is convenient and efficient, reducing the time spent on experimental intervals. When replacing the host plant, simply separating the top net box 6 from the bottom net plate 5 allows for easy removal of the host plant from the bottom net plate 5. This process effectively reduces the chance of physical contact with the host plant, minimizing aphid shedding and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental data. Furthermore, the net cage 1 is covered with a net cover 2, combining breathability and physical barrier functions. This effectively intercepts aphid nymphs and adults, preventing escape, while allowing air circulation, maintaining the microenvironmental balance within the net cage 1 and providing a suitable living space for aphids. Researchers can perform feeding, sampling, and other operations through the sleeves and operating ports provided on the net cage 1. After operation, the sleeve openings can be quickly closed, effectively reducing the risk of escape due to human error. Moreover, the observation window 4 on the net cage 1 facilitates in-situ observation of aphid mouthpart movement, honeydew secretion, and other microscopic behaviors, eliminating the need for frequent opening of the cage and avoiding interference with the experimental samples, thus ensuring the scientific validity and stability of the experimental results.

[0027] The aphid rearing cage of this invention can draw on the three-dimensional layered planting model in vertical agriculture. The rearing cages are stacked vertically to form multi-layer units, and each layer unit can be used independently for aphid rearing, which significantly saves planar space and increases the rearing capacity per unit area by 3-5 times.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top mesh box 6 is detachably connected to the bottom mesh plate 5 via a magnetic connector. The magnetic connector includes a top mesh box magnet 7 and a bottom mesh plate magnet 8, with the top mesh box magnet 7 and the bottom mesh plate magnet 8 having different magnetic poles. Multiple top mesh box magnets 7 are fixedly installed circumferentially on the bottom surface of the top mesh box 6, and multiple bottom mesh plate magnets 8 are fixedly installed circumferentially on the top edge of the bottom mesh plate 5. Magnets with different magnetic poles quickly and automatically attract each other under magnetic force to complete the connection, providing good stability. When separation is required, it can be easily pulled apart with a gentle force, making the operation simple and quick, and improving the convenience of use.

[0029] A further preferred embodiment of this utility model is, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the top mesh box magnet 7 has a protrusion, and the bottom mesh plate magnet 8 has a groove that matches the protrusion. The connection between the protrusion and the groove allows for a sealed connection between the bottom mesh plate 5 and the top mesh box 6.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the wire mesh cage 1 is made of stainless steel.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the surface of the observation window 4 is provided with a silicon dioxide coating. The nano-scale silicon dioxide coating on the surface of the observation window 4 can reduce water vapor condensation and dust adhesion, ensuring the clarity of long-term observation, and is especially suitable for continuous monitoring in high humidity environments.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of this invention, the observation window 4 is made of polycarbonate or optical-grade acrylic to ensure clarity for long-term observation.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of this invention, a magnifying glass 9 is installed in the middle of the observation window 4, which enables in-situ observation of microscopic behaviors such as aphid mouthpart movement and honeydew secretion, avoiding frequent opening of the box and interference with the experimental samples.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the opening at the end of the sleeve 3 furthest from the top net box 6 is closed by a zipper, and the zipper closure can effectively intercept aphid nymphs and adults from escaping.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, a silicone sealing gasket 10 is also included. The top mesh box magnet 7 and the bottom mesh plate magnet 8 are both provided with silicone sealing gaskets 10. The silicone sealing gasket 10 can reduce scratches or wear caused by direct contact between the magnets.

[0036] This utility model uses specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. An aphid rearing cage, characterized by: The device includes a wire mesh cage, a wire mesh cover, and a sleeve. The wire mesh cage includes a bottom wire mesh plate and a top wire mesh box. The top wire mesh box is detachably connected to the bottom wire mesh plate. The wire mesh cover is fitted over both the top wire mesh box and the bottom wire mesh plate. The mesh size of the wire mesh cover is large enough to prevent aphids from escaping from the wire mesh cage. The top wire mesh box has an operation port and an observation port. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the operation port, and an observation window is installed on the observation port.

2. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top mesh box is detachably connected to the bottom mesh plate via a magnetic connector.

3. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic connector includes a top mesh box magnet and a bottom mesh plate magnet. The top mesh box magnet and the bottom mesh plate magnet have different magnetic poles. Multiple top mesh box magnets are fixedly installed circumferentially on the bottom surface of the top mesh box, and multiple bottom mesh plate magnets are fixedly installed circumferentially on the top edge of the bottom mesh plate.

4. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top mesh box magnet has a protrusion, and the bottom mesh plate magnet has a groove that matches the protrusion.

5. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wire mesh cage is made of stainless steel.

6. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the observation window is coated with a silicon dioxide coating.

7. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation window is made of polycarbonate or optical-grade acrylic.

8. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: A magnifying glass is installed in the center of the observation window.

9. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening at the end of the sleeve furthest from the top net box is closed by a zipper.

10. The aphid rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes silicone sealing gaskets, which are provided on both the top mesh box magnet and the bottom mesh plate magnet.

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