Formalizing insect rearing and artificial diet technology

Abstract

Most papers in ESA journals report on insects or mites that were reared under artificial conditions. Approximately half of these was reared on artificial diets. Despite the essential role of reared insects in the development of entomological and related science, insect rearing has minimal formal standing as a legitimate discipline. This lack of formal standing is subversive to quality and future improvements in entomology, as is the cryptic but tangible lack of appreciation for rearing practices and the specialists who develop them. Besides raising awareness of unfortunate attitudes toward and treatment of rearing specialists, I suggest several measures for improving the standing of insect rearing, especially through a self-conscious formalization of rearing and insect food science and technology as distinct disciplines. Such formalization and conscious efforts to improve the quality and image of rearing papers, and the stature of the authors of these papers, should help encourage potentially capable scientists to undertake careers in rearing specialization. In turn, entomology should profit from the enhanced quality and availability of laboratory insects produced by an improved rearing science and technology.