Bc. Murphy et al., EXPERIMENTAL ARENA FOR CONFINING THRIPS AND OTHER SMALL ARTHROPODS INTHE LABORATORY, The Pan-Pacific entomologist, 73(1), 1997, pp. 4-8
A new experimental arena to confine western flower thrips, Frankliniel
la occidentalis (Pergande) and other small arthropods in order to cond
uct laboratory bioassays and behavioral studies is described. Arenas a
re constructed from cardboard paper cartons using a clear plastic petr
i dish lid and weather stripping to form an insect tight seal. A water
pic inserted into the side of the arena is used to maintain plant mat
erial within the arena. The configuration of the arenas allows for dir
ect visual observation of arthropods on portions of whole plants using
a dissection microscope while leaving the arena sealed. The arenas su
ccessfully confined western flower thrips adults for 14 d and survival
rates in the arenas over 7 d were at levels acceptable for check trea
tments in laboratory bioassays.