Apparatus and method for producing insect larvae

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing young larvae, the method comprising the following steps: insects are placed on a first plane (2, 14) of a laying apparatus; the laying apparatus is designed such that the insects placed on the first plane (2, 14) are able to oviposit insect eggs on a second plane (4, 15) through holes (3) in the first plane (2, 14), and is designed such that hatched insect larvae fall down from the second plane (4, 15), specifically into a container or onto a conveyor device (8). The invention also relates to a laying apparatus for carrying out the method, which laying apparatus has a perforated first plane (2, 14) and a second plane (4, 15) located below the first plane (2, 14), with a free space between the first and the second plane (2, 14; 4, 15), wherein: the height of the free space is at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.3 mm; the first plane (2, 14) is at a distance from the second plane (4, 15) which is no larger than 5 mm or no larger than 3 mm or is no larger than 2 mm; the holes (3) in the first plane (2, 14) are at most 3 mm or at most 2 mm or at most 1 mm or at most 0.8 mm wide and / or long; the second plane (4, 15) has holes (5) for young larvae to fall through.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING INSECT LARVAE

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method and a laying device for producing insect larvae.

[0004] The glossy black grain beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus) and the flour beetle (Tenebrio molitor) are insects whose larvae pupate into beetles. The adults are beetles, whose females lay eggs over a specific period, from which young larvae hatch.

[0005] The beetles mate once, and a few days after mating, the female lays between 100 and 2,000 eggs over a period of up to several years, depending on the beetle species. The female uses an ovipositor to deposit and adhere the eggs in a crevice or substrate.

[0006] Insects, such as the mealworm, prefer to lay eggs in a protected location. Larvae hatch from these eggs, which are subsequently referred to as juvenile larvae. The juvenile larvae can be raised in rearing devices to a desired size and then used for human consumption.

[0007] To produce insect larvae, boxes with a sieve bottom can be used. These boxes are placed inside a second box so that the sieve bottom is approximately 5-10 mm away from the second box bottom. This intermediate space can be filled with substrate. For example, the aforementioned beetles can live in the upper box on the sieve bottom and can use their ovipositor to lay eggs through the sieve bottom into the substrate. The disadvantage of this variant is that the eggs and later young larvae are mixed with the substrate and are very difficult to separate. With Alphitobius diaperinus in particular, sieving the young larvae is very difficult to implement due to their size and problematic due to their sensitivity.

[0008] Young larvae can be placed in a rearing device together with food. It is then important to maintain an appropriate ratio between young larvae and solid and liquid food. It is therefore particularly important to be able to determine the number of young larvae. In order to determine the number of young larvae as accurately as possible, young larvae must be separated from other components, such as the substrate in which eggs were laid. This is problematic because separating them can damage young larvae. If young larvae are separated from other components, the number of young larvae can be determined quite accurately, for example, by weight measurement or using a counting machine.

[0009] Publication WO2018 / 231053 A1 discloses a plastic container that can be used for laying insect eggs and breeding insect larvae. The unpublished German patent applications 102023202653.8 and 102023200006.7 describe rearing devices in which young larvae can grow to a desired size.

[0010] The object of the invention is to be able to produce young larvae in such a way that the number of young larvae produced can be determined.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by a method having the features of the first claim and a laying device having the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0012] To achieve this objective, a method for producing young larvae is provided. Insects can be brought to a first level of a laying device. The laying device can be configured such that the insects brought to the first level can lay their eggs on a second level through holes in the first level. The laying device can further be configured such that hatched insect larvae fall from the second level into a container or onto a conveyor system. The location of the eggs is therefore the same as the location of hatching. Eggs should therefore not first be separated after being laid, i.e., moved to another location or device. Such a work step or such a change of location can therefore be eliminated by the invention.

[0013] Insects will lay their eggs on the second level using their ovipositor or ovipositor tube below the first level because the eggs are then protected from other beetles from the insects' perspective. Laying occurs, for example, by the eggs attaching themselves to the second level. This takes advantage of the fact that insects strive to lay their eggs in protected places. The second level is located behind the first level, with the distance between the two levels such that the introduced insects can lay their eggs on the second level through the holes in the first level. This creates a separation between the eggs on the one hand and the insects, excrement, food, etc. on the first level on the other. The eggs are not laid in a substrate, so that after hatching the young larvae do not have to be separated from the substrate in order to count the young larvae.This separation by providing the first and second levels helps to accurately determine the number of newly hatched young larvae, i.e., newly hatched insect larvae. The eggs are laid separately from the insects, so the insects cannot eat them.

[0014] As the eggs fall, hatched insect larvae are separated from the eggs. The fallen insect larvae can be collected in a container and counted. The fallen insect larvae can be transported away using a transport device. The fallen insect larvae cannot damage the eggs by nibbling.

[0015] For example, already fertilized female mealworms, 10 to 18 millimeters long, or male and female beetles are brought to the first level. Mealworms prefer dark and warm places. Therefore, the first level is then preferably brought to a temperature of, for example, 25°C to 35°C and / or darkened. Over the course of their several months of life, female mealworms can lay 100 to 600 eggs, individually or in small groups. The eggs are sticky, white, and oval in shape. The eggs are about 1.5 millimeters long. After 4 to 14 days, the larvae, also called mealworms, hatch. The larvae are initially about 2 mm long. The larvae can then grow to a size of about 4 cm.

[0016] The invention is particularly well-suited for smaller insects such as the Alphitobius, which grows to five to six millimeters in length. Its larvae can grow up to 15 mm long. The Alphitobius also loves warmth. The ovipositor of the Alphitobius is approximately 3 mm long. The distance between the surface of the first level and the surface of the second level, where the eggs are to be laid, is therefore less than 3 mm. To ensure the Alphitobius feels comfortable and so that larvae hatch quickly, the temperature in the laying device can be between 25°C and 35°C. The air humidity in the laying device can be at least 40% or at least 50%. The air humidity in the laying device can be no more than 70% or no more than 60%.

[0017] Especially in the case of Alphitobius, young larvae cannot be separated from the substrate by sieving. Therefore, the invention is particularly well suited for the production of young Alphitobius larvae.

[0018] Mealworms can be used as feed for animals. The larvae of darkling beetle species are also bred for human consumption.

[0019] The second level can include holes through which young larvae can fall. To allow the young larvae to fall through the holes in the second level, the second level is not perpendicular to the substrate. Insect larvae that have fallen through can be easily collected below the second level to determine their number.

[0020] This also allows the hatched young larvae to be quickly separated from the other eggs by dropping down from the second level. This falling and the resulting separation from the other eggs prevent the newly hatched young larvae from eating or damaging other eggs.

[0021] The second level can be arranged vertically so that hatched young larvae fall down.

[0022] The fallen young larvae can, for example, fall onto a transport device used to transport the young larvae to a destination. The fallen young larvae can, for example, fall into an exchangeable container, where they are first collected and then transported to a destination.

[0023] After insect eggs have been laid on the second level and the insect larvae have hatched, the young larvae can then be moved to an area that is cooler than the area immediately adjacent to the first level. The cooler area can reduce the activity of the young larvae, allowing for improved intermediate storage and / or transport of the young larvae to a desired destination.

[0024] After insect eggs have been laid on the second level and the insect larvae have hatched, the young larvae can then be moved to an area that is more humid than the area immediately adjacent to the first level. Humidity can be used to cool the area through evaporation. For example, air can flow through the area, causing liquid to evaporate, thus cooling the area. For this reason, for example, high humidity can prevail in the area.

[0025] The temperature in the area immediately adjacent to the first level, or thus in the laying device, is preferably above 25°C, above 27°C, or above 29°C, so that the insects on the first level feel comfortable and are encouraged to lay eggs. This temperature is preferably below 35°C to avoid unnecessary energy consumption for heating and to achieve a comfortable temperature for the insects. The temperature can be as high as 30°C.

[0026] The temperature in the area where the young larvae have been placed may be below 25°C or below 24°C to reduce the activity of the young larvae. The temperature in the area where the young larvae have been placed may be above 15°C, above 18°C, or above 21°C, for example, 23°C, to prevent damage to the young larvae.

[0027] The humidity in the cooler area where the young larvae are placed may be higher than the humidity in the laying device. The humidity in the cooler area where the young larvae are placed may be at least 60% or at least 70%. The humidity in the cooler area where the young larvae are placed may not exceed 95% or not exceed 90%, for example, 80%. The young larvae are preferably stored in the cooler area, for example, such that a layer of young larvae is no more than 2 cm or no more than 1 cm thick, to prevent the young larvae from overheating.

[0028] The number of insect larvae hatched from eggs laid on the second level can be determined to establish an appropriate ratio of insect larvae to food and liquid for the insect larvae during their rearing. The number can be determined by measuring the weight of a newly hatched insect larva, given the average weight. The number can also be determined by counting with a specially designed counting machine. A counting machine can be configured to visually count these young larvae.

[0029] The invention also relates to a laying device for carrying out the method. The laying device can have a first level and a second level located below the first level. A free space can be present between the first level and the second level. The height of the free space can be at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.3 mm so that young larvae can advantageously move unhindered within the free space, for example to a hole in the second level. The upper side of the first level can be at a distance from the upper side of the second level that is not greater than 5 mm, not greater than 2 mm, or not greater than 1 mm so that insects can lay their eggs on the second level.

[0030] The holes in the first level can be a maximum of 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm wide and / or long to prevent insects from passing through the first level to the second level and to encourage insects to lay eggs on the second level. The holes can be oval, square, or rectangular, for example. The holes can be elongated. For manufacturing reasons, circular holes are preferred. The diameter of circular holes can then be a maximum of 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

[0031] The diameter, width, and length of holes in the first level can be a maximum of 0.8 mm or 0.7 mm, allowing insects to move as freely as possible on the first level and also climb inclines. To further improve the insects' mobility on the first level, the surface of the first level can be roughened. A plate providing the first level can then have a rough top and a comparatively smooth bottom. The rough top is then the first level.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, struts or other structures can be installed on the first level to allow insects to move more easily on ascents or descents.

[0033] The holes in the first level can be a minimum of 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm wide and / or long, allowing insects to lay eggs on the second level through the first level. The diameter of circular holes can be a minimum of 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0034] The second level can have holes for insects to fall through. The holes in the second level can be at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm wide and / or long to allow young larvae to fall through the holes in the second level. The holes in the second level can be elongated to ensure that young larvae fall through a hole in the second level as quickly as possible. The holes in the second level cannot be wider than 10 mm or wider than 5 mm or wider than 3 mm. The holes in the second level cannot be longer than 100 mm or longer than 50 mm or longer than 30 mm. Holes in the second level that are too large can be disadvantageous because they discourage egg laying.

[0035] The holes in the second level can be larger than those in the first level. Larger holes in the second level ensure that insect larvae can better fall through. Smaller holes in the first level, in comparison, reliably separate the eggs from the insects.

[0036] A maximum distance between two holes of the second level may be greater than a maximum distance between two holes of the first level so that a surface of the second level can be present below a hole of the first level on which an egg can be laid or attached.

[0037] The maximum distance between two holes in the second level can be 10 mm or 5 mm, so that young larvae can quickly reach a hole after hatching and then fall through it. The minimum distance between two holes in the second level can be 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm, so that a sufficiently large area is available for egg laying.

[0038] The number of holes in the first level can be greater than the number of holes in the second level so that an egg can be reliably laid on the second level through a hole from the first level.

[0039] The second level can contain steps with elongated holes that run parallel to the base of the laying device. If a newly hatched insect larva slides down the step, it will reliably reach a slot through which it can fall. A first slot can be offset relative to a lower, second slot in such a way that a newly hatched insect larva will inevitably end up in one of the two slots when sliding down the step from above the first slot.

[0040] The first level and the second level can be parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal.

[0041] The first level can be sloped uphill or downhill to increase surface area. The first level can be zigzagged and / or undulating to increase surface area. This allows for optimal use of the available space for the production of young larvae.

[0042] The second level generally follows the course of the first level. If the first level runs uphill and downhill, then the second level generally also runs uphill and downhill. In particular, the second level generally runs parallel to the first level. However, there can be exceptions to this. For example, a second level may be missing below valleys in the first level. This can prevent areas on the second level where young larvae can undesirably congregate. The second level can then only follow a zigzag or wave-like shape in sections.

[0043] The first level and / or the second level can therefore initially rise. The angle that the rise forms with a horizontal line can, for example, be at least 40°, at least 50°, or at least 55°. The maximum angle that the rise forms with a horizontal line can, for example, be 80°, 70°, or 65°. The rise can, for example, be straight or curved. The rise can be bent. The rise can be at least 50 mm or at least 80 mm long. The rise can be no longer than 200 mm or no longer than 120 mm long.

[0044] Following the ascent, the first level and / or the second level can descend. The descent can be as described above for the ascent. The descent can be mirror-symmetrical to the ascent. The distance between the starting point of the ascent and the end point of the descent can, for example, be a minimum of 50 mm or a minimum of 80 mm. The distance between the starting point of the ascent and the end point of the descent can, for example, be a maximum of 200 mm or a maximum of 120 mm.

[0045] The specified dimensions for the ascent and descent have proven to be appropriate for good space utilization. Such an ascent or descent can be steep enough for young larvae to slide or fall down.

[0046] One or more plates can provide the first and second levels. One or more of the plates can be made of plastic and / or metal. The metal can be chrome steel. For example, a plate can be bent in the middle to form a rise and a fall of the associated level. Opposite edge sections of the plate, which can run parallel to the bend, can be bent to form a tab in order to connect two plates via tabs and / or to improve stability. A plate shaped in this way can also be manufactured from plastic by injection molding or by deep drawing.

[0047] A plate forming a first or second level may be perforated.

[0048] The top surface of a plate can form a first level on which insects are placed. The bottom surface of a plate can form a second level on which eggs are laid separately from the insects. This can be achieved by placing two perforated plates sufficiently close to each other.

[0049] In the case of metal, sheets can be formed into a desired shape by forming. Plastic sheets can be manufactured by injection molding or deep drawing.

[0050] One or more plates of the first level can be connected to one or more plates of the second level via spacers. Each spacer can, for example, be at least 0.3 mm or at least 0.4 mm thick. The distance between a plate of the first level and an underlying plate of the second level can then be at least 0.3 mm or at least 0.4 mm. Each spacer can, for example, be no more than 3 mm, no more than 1.5 mm, or no more than 0.8 mm thick. The distance between a plate of the first level and an underlying plate of the second level can then be no more than 3 mm, no more than 1.5 mm, or no more than 0.8 mm.

[0051] The plates can be firmly attached to the spacer, for example, by welding or gluing. The plates can be positively connected to a spacer, for example, by screwing or riveting. A spacer can be a plate of a desired thickness.

[0052] A spacer can be a protruding part of a plate, created, for example, by embossing. The spacer, provided, for example, by embossing, then protrudes as far as desired from adjacent surfaces of the plate. The spacer is then part of one plate and can be bonded to the other plate. The protruding part of the plate is then very small compared to the size of the plate.

[0053] A spacer can be less than 5 cm, less than 3 cm, or less than 1 cm wide and / or long. A spacer can be less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm high.

[0054] A spacer can be spaced from another spacer by a minimum of 50 mm or at least 80 mm. A spacer can be spaced from another spacer by a maximum of 500 mm, a maximum of 400 mm, or a maximum of 300 mm. These spacers can be arranged side by side. Several spacers can be arranged one above the other along an ascent or descent, with a smaller spacing between them, for example, no more than 40 mm or no more than 30 mm.

[0055] One or more plates of the first level can be thinner than one or more plates of the second level. The one or more plates of the second level then ensure a particularly high degree of mechanical stability. The one or more plates of the first level are thinner to make the second level easier for the insects to reach. One or more plates of the first level can be a maximum of 1 mm or a maximum of 0.8 mm or a maximum of 0.6 mm thick so that the second level can be easily reached by insects for laying eggs. One or more plates of the first level can be 0.6 mm or 0.5 mm or 0.4 mm thick, for example. For stability reasons, the thickness of one or more plates of the first level can be at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.3 mm.

[0056] For stability reasons, the thickness of one or more plates of the second level may be at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.8 mm, or at least 0.9 mm. A second-level plate may, for example, be 1 mm thick. To avoid excessive material consumption and weight, the thickness of a second-level plate may be limited to 2 mm or 1.5 mm.

[0057] The laying device can comprise a conveyor below the first and second levels. The conveyor can, for example, comprise an electric and / or pneumatic drive. The conveyor can be such that young larvae that have fallen onto the conveyor are continuously and thus immediately transported away. The conveyor can, for example, convey young larvae into a container. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor belt through which young larvae can be conveyed. The conveyor can be a linear conveyor with a plate that can be moved slowly from an initial position in the conveying direction and quickly back. The movement of the plate can be effected using pneumatically operated cylinders. The plate can be elongated along the conveying direction.For example, the plate can have upwardly projecting lateral barriers along its long sides to prevent young larvae from accidentally falling out. The plate can form the bottom of a trough. The plate can have an opening and / or a chute in the bottom at one end through which young larvae can be transported away from the plate.

[0058] The conveyor system can be controlled, for example, by a control system, so that young larvae are periodically removed. Young larvae should be removed after 24 hours or at the latest after 12 hours to avoid losses.

[0059] The laying device can have one or more areas above or on the first level, which can be hill-shaped or bridge-shaped, for example, to increase surface area. The areas can be enclosed, making them unsuitable for egg laying. Such additional areas can help increase the potential insect density. Relative to the floor area of ​​the laying device, the efficiency of the laying device can thus be improved.

[0060] The laying device can be or comprise a single unit that can be many meters long, for example more than 5 m or more than 10 m. There can be a trough of appropriate length into which the young larvae can fall. However, such dimensions are unsuitable for emptying and cleaning. It is therefore preferable to divide it into smaller units that can be joined together. Frames into which the first and second levels can be inserted are therefore preferred. Each frame is then part of a smaller unit. Two or more frames can be arranged above a shared container or above a shared conveyor system. A frame can have webs and / or other inward-projecting support surfaces on one side onto which a level can be placed. A level can be firmly connected to the frame, for example by welding.A frame can be gripped manually or motorized, and its contents emptied. If the two levels are loosely or easily detachably inserted into the frame, the levels can be removed from the frame for cleaning purposes. A frame can be connected to the levels, for example, by a detachable snap-in connection.

[0061] A frame, together with the levels placed within it, can form a basin in which the insects can live and lay eggs. The underside of the frame can be at least mostly open to allow young larvae to fall out of the frame. There can be a cover for the top of the frame to prevent insects from leaving the basin. The cover can be placed on top of the frame, for example. The cover can be hinged to the frame, for example. The cover can be sieve-like or have a completely closed surface. The cover can be made entirely or partially of a transparent material. The cover can have an opening that can be closed with a fastener.

[0062] A frame, together with the shelves within it, can form a basin in which the insects can live and lay their eggs. The bottom of the frame can be at least mostly open, allowing young larvae to fall out of the frame. The top of the frame can be bent inward to prevent beetles from climbing up the frame and leaving the trough. For this purpose, the top of the frame can be bent inward, for example, at 135 degrees, to create an overhanging, impassable passage for the beetles.

[0063] A laying device can comprise a plurality of smaller units with the frames and the levels inserted therein. A plurality of frames of a laying device can be arranged side by side and / or one behind the other.

[0064] A smaller unit comprising at least the first and second levels may have a footprint of at least 50 cm x 50 cm or at least 80 cm x 80 cm. The footprint may be smaller than 150 cm x 150 cm or 120 cm x 120 cm to facilitate handling.

[0065] A laying device can comprise a plurality of tiers. Each tier can be constructed as described above, i.e., comprise two levels and, for example, a conveyor system below the levels. Each tier can comprise a plurality of the aforementioned smaller units.

[0066] A laying device can include a device for determining the number of young larvae. The device can include scales to calculate the number of young larvae based on a determined weight. The device can include a counting machine. The device can include a camera to visually determine the number of young larvae. Once the number of young larvae has been determined, a suitable feed quantity for the young larvae can be determined. The determined feed quantity and the young larvae can then be placed in a rearing device in which the young larvae grow to a desired size. In addition to the feed, an amount of liquid can be added, which is also adjusted to the number of young larvae.

[0067] A laying device may include a vibration device. The vibration device can vibrate both levels or only the second level, causing young larvae to fall from the second level. The laying device may include a control device that controls the vibration device so that the second level vibrates periodically, for example, at intervals of one to three or twelve hours.

[0068] A breeding device can be designed as described in the unpublished German patent applications 102023202653.8 and 102023200006.7. A breeding device can comprise containers with pressure-reducing elements or pressure-reducing elements as described in the unpublished German patent applications 102023202653.8 and 102023200006.7.

[0069] It may be beneficial to fold the edges of one or two levels slightly inward to prevent beetles from reaching the eggs. Escaping insects could eat the eggs or young larvae, which should be avoided.

[0070] It may be advantageous to choose a surface on the first level that offers no means for insects to cling to, so that insects can be shaken off as easily as possible after they have successfully laid and hatched their eggs.

[0071] It may be beneficial to avoid light as much as possible to avoid exposing the insects and newly hatched larvae to unnecessary stress. For example, red light can be used for visual inspection, which is perceived as less intense by the insects than cold white light.

[0072] It may be advantageous to place the laying device in a climate chamber to provide the insects and young larvae with the optimal humidity and temperature for egg laying and hatching. A laying device may include one or more covers that cover the interior of the laying device to keep it dark and / or prevent insects from escaping.

[0073] It may be advantageous to use a camera to count the young larvae on the linear conveyor and / or measure their size, for example to determine the ideal time for harvesting.

[0074] Figure 1 : Section through a laying device;

[0075] Figure 2: Element of the laying device;

[0076] Figure 3: Levels connected by spacers;

[0077] Figure 4: Top view of frame;

[0078] Figure 5: Element of a laying device;

[0079] Figure 6: Element of a laying device,

[0080] Figure 7: Element of the laying device from Figure 2 with indicated

[0081] spacers,

[0082] Figure 8: Section through a laying device with bridges.

[0083] Figure 1 shows a section through a laying device 1. A first plane 2, provided by plates, runs in a zigzag pattern in section. The first plate with plane 2 is partially shown in dashed lines to represent holes 3 in the first plane 2.

[0084] Below the first level 2 is a second level 4 formed from plates. The plates of the second level 4 are shown with dashed lines to represent holes 5 in the second level 4. The plates of the second level 4 run parallel to the plates of the first level 2. Below the valleys 6 of the first level 2, the second level 4 is recessed. Between the plates of the two levels 2, 4 there is a free space 7 which can be 0.4 mm high. The underside of the plate of the first level 2 then has a distance of 0.4 mm to the top side of the plate of the second level 4.

[0085] The holes 3 of the first level 2 can be circular and have a diameter of 0.6 mm. The holes 5 of the second level 4 can be elongated holes extending parallel to a linear conveyor 8 of the laying device 1. The elongated holes 5 can be 1 mm wide and 20 mm long. The two levels 2, 4 or the associated plates can be permanently connected by spacers. The slopes of the levels can form an angle of 60° with the base 8 in order to, for example, double the area of ​​the first level 2 compared to the area of ​​the base.

[0086] The first and second levels 2, 4, or their plates, can be loosely inserted into a surrounding frame 9, which can have webs 10 on its underside. The valleys 6 can rest on the webs 10. The frame 9 can be held above the linear conveyor 8.

[0087] Once young larvae have fallen through the holes 5 of the second level 4 onto the linear conveyor 8, the linear conveyor 8 can immediately transport the young larvae away automatically, for example, into a container 11. The linear conveyor 8 can include a plate on its upper side, which is initially moved slowly in the conveying direction and then quickly returned to its starting position. This allows young larvae to be conveyed without being crushed.

[0088] The weight of the container 11 filled with young larvae can be measured to determine the number of young larvae. The container 11 filled with young larvae can be moved to a cooler location for temporary storage. Exchanging a filled container 11 for an empty container 11 can be done vibration-free, so that insects located on the first level 2 are not disturbed. The exchange of the container 11 can be automated to minimize manual effort.

[0089] The plates of the first level 2 can be thinner than the plates of the second level 4, as indicated by different line thicknesses. The valleys 6 can be free of holes to prevent eggs from being laid on the webs 10.

[0090] A mixture of food and liquid can be placed on the first level 2 so that the insects on the first level 2 can feed. However, it is also possible to forgo feeding, which can lead to insects laying their eggs more quickly. This also prevents insect droppings from being excreted. If the insects are fed moist and / or dry food, one goal can be to have insect droppings fall through the levels to prevent the insects from laying eggs in the droppings. In this case, the number of young larvae can still be determined relatively accurately by determining the weight of the food.

[0091] Since components of the laying device 1 can be assembled loosely, they can then be easily cleaned individually.

[0092] Figure 2 shows an individual element of the two levels 2 and 4. The element shown can be made of stainless steel or plastic. The elongated holes 5 of the second level 4 are significantly larger than the holes 3 of the first level 2. The number of holes 3 of the first level 2 is considerably larger than the number of holes 5 of the second level 4. The number of holes 3 of the first level 2 can, for example, be more than twice as large or more than three times as large as the number of elongated holes 5 of the second level 4. The distance between elongated holes 5 of the second level can, as shown, be greater than the distance between holes 3 of the first level 2. The elongated holes 5 can, as shown, run parallel to the horizontal. The elongated holes 5 of a first row can, as shown, be offset from the elongated holes 5 of a row above or below. An individual element can, for example, be more than 50 mm and / or up to 200 mm wide, for example 100 mm.A single element can, for example, be at least 200 mm or at least 400 mm long. The perforated slopes of levels 2 and 4 can form an angle of, for example, 60° with the horizontal. An element can have side tabs that can form valleys 6 between two elements. Two elements can be connected to each other via the tabs 6, for example, via a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a riveted connection, or a screw connection. Tabs 6 can improve the mechanical stability of an element.

[0093] Figure 3 shows sections of levels 2 and 4, which are connected to one another via spacers 12 and 13. The spacer 12 is, for example, a square spacer plate, to which the two levels 2 and 4 have been welded, for example. The spacer 13 is a local embossing of the second level 4, to which the first level 2 has been welded, for example. The spacer 13 can therefore be created, for example, by embossing a metal sheet. Figure 4 shows a plan view of a frame 9 with webs 10 attached to one side, on which, for example, valleys 6 of a level 2 can rest. The valleys 6 can be firmly connected to the webs 10, for example by a material-to-material connection such as gluing or welding, or by a form-fitting connection such as a screw-nut connection or riveting.

[0094] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an element of a laying device with a first level 14 and a second level 15. The element tapers upwards and can be formed from one or two perforated sheets. The outer side of the one or two perforated sheets forms the first level 14, on which insects are placed to lay their eggs. The inner side of the one or two perforated sheets forms the second level 15, on which insects can lay their eggs. Two elements can be connected to one another via laterally projecting tabs 6 to form valleys 6.

[0095] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an element of a laying device with a first level 14 and a second level 15. The element can be formed from one or two perforated sheets or plates that run parallel and protrude vertically upwards from a horizontal base. The one or both perforated sheets or plates can be connected to each other via spacers 12.

[0096] However, the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 may not sufficiently ensure that young larvae fall down immediately after hatching, as the downward path may be blocked by eggs. Therefore, other embodiments are preferable.

[0097] Figure 7 shows the element of the laying device from Figure 2 with indicated spacers 12, 13. Spacers 12, 13, for example, three spacers, run along an ascent or descent and are spaced relatively closely apart, for example, 10 mm to 40 mm. Furthermore, spacers 12, 13 are arranged next to one another and are spaced relatively widely apart, for example, 100 mm to 400 mm.

[0098] Figure 8 shows a section through a laying device 1 with bridges 16 having a closed surface. Each bridge 16 increases the accommodation space for insects. The maximum possible insect density within the laying device 1 can thus be increased. The efficiency of the device can thereby be increased. In addition, structures 17 can be provided on the first level to make it easier for insects to move up and down the ascents and descents. The invention enables young larvae to hatch continuously. The insects can be kept undisturbed on the first level for the duration of their lives. The manual effort required can be kept to a minimum. It is possible to carry out the breeding fully automatically or at least to a largely fully automated manner.

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for producing young larvae comprising the steps: Insects are brought to a first level (2, 14) of a laying device, the laying device is designed so that the insects brought to the first level (2, 14) can lay insect eggs on a second level (4, 15) through holes (3) in the first level (2, 14), and is designed so that hatched insect larvae fall down from the second level (4, 15) into a container or onto a conveyor device (8).

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second level (4, 15) comprises holes through which young larvae fall through.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after laying insect eggs on the second level (4, 15) and hatching, the hatched young larvae are brought into an area which is cooler and / or more humid than the area within the laying device.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature of more than 27°C prevails within the laying device and / or that the temperature prevailing in the area into which the young larvae have been brought is less than 25°C and / or that the air humidity within the laying device is between 40% and 60% and / or that the air humidity in the area into which the young larvae have been brought is between 70% and 90%.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of young larvae is determined.

6. Laying device for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, with a perforated first level (2, 14) and a second level (4, 15) located below the first level (2, 14), with a free space between the first and the second level (2, 14; 4, 15), the height of the free space being at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.3 mm, wherein the first level (2, 14) has a distance from the second level (4, 15) which is not greater than 5 mm or not greater than 3 mm or not greater than 2 mm, wherein the holes (3) in the first level (2, 14) are a maximum of 3 mm or a maximum of 2 mm or a maximum of 1 mm or a maximum of 0.8 mm wide and / or long, wherein the second level (4, 15) has holes (5) for young larvae to fall through.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holes (5) of the second plane (4, 15) are at least 1 mm wide and long.

8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holes (5) of the second level (4, 15) are larger than the holes (3) of the first level (2, 14).

9. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum distance between two holes (5) of the second plane (4, 15) is greater than a maximum distance between two holes (3) of the first plane (2, 14).

10. Device according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the number of holes (3) of the first level (2, 14) is greater than the number of holes (5) of the second level (4, 15). 11 . Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the second level (4, 15) comprises one or more rises with elongated holes (5) which extend parallel to the base of the laying device (1).

12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a first elongated hole (5) is arranged offset relative to a second, lower elongated hole (5).

13. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the rise forms an angle with the horizontal which is greater than 50° and less than 70°.

14. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the first plane (2, 14) is zigzag-shaped and / or wave-shaped.

15. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that there is no second level (4, 15) below valleys (6) of the first level (2, 14).

16. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that each level (2, 4, 14, 15) is formed by one or more plates made of plastic and / or metal.

17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a plate of the first level (2, 14) is connected to a plate of the second level (4, 15) via at least one spacer (12, 13).

18. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a spacer (13) is a projecting part of a plate and is integrally connected to the plate.

19. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the first plane (2, 14) is thinner than the second plane (4, 15).

20. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that a conveyor device (8) is provided below the levels (2, 14; 4, 15) which can transport away young larvae that have fallen onto the conveyor device (8).

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