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Grasshoppers in research and education: methods for maintenance and production

Lab Animal volume 36, pages 27–31 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Insects used in research have traditionally been housed and cared for in the investigator's laboratory. Centralized colony maintenance may be advantageous, but presents unique challenges to animal care staff members, who are more familiar with vertebrate research animals. To fill this potential knowledge gap, the authors share the procedures they have developed at Arizona State University for the housing, husbandry, and breeding of grasshoppers used in research and teaching.

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Figure 1: The life cycle of grasshoppers involves six instars (molts).
Figure 2: Typical holding cages for grasshoppers.
Figure 3: Adult grasshoppers in cage with 100 × 20-mm Petri dishes of greens (kale and lettuce) and dry food.
Figure 4

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to Larry Neinaber, Jaime White-James, and Derek O'Neill of the Arizona State University Animal Care Program for their contributions to the development and implementation of this care and use program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Care & Technologies, Arizona State University, Tempe, 85287, AZ

    James Badman &  Michael P. McGarry

  2. School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, 85287, AZ

    Jon F. Harrison

Authors
  1. James Badman
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  2. Jon F. Harrison
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  3. Michael P. McGarry
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Correspondence to Michael P. McGarry.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Badman, J., Harrison, J. & McGarry, M. Grasshoppers in research and education: methods for maintenance and production. Lab Anim 36, 27–31 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0307-27

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