Supplementary Food Requirements for Adult Insects

The adults of some insects used as biological control agents, including most moths and flies and many beetles, do not feed directly on plant tissues but take pollen and/or nectar from flowers. Others do not feed at all but may require water. Adult feeding provides energy for movement and other activities, prolongs life, and may increase or sustain egg production. In mass rearing, water is usually supplied through a wick. Sugar and honey solutions supplied through a wick or in saturated cotton-wool can replace nectar and, if available, pollen can be provided. Yeast can be used instead of pollen.

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