Drosophila Breeding with the CritterLatch

CritterLatch – Perfect for Breeding Drosophila hydei and melanogaster

Do you already have your CritterLatch? If so, great! You can get started right away and begin your Drosophila breeding with a simple, effective recipe.

If not, make sure to get one – it ensures that no insects escape and everything stays securely sealed. The CritterLatch is ideal for fruit flies such as Drosophila hydei and melanogaster.

• Drosophila melanogaster: This species is smaller (2-3 mm) and has a faster development time (10-12 days at 24°C).
  
• Drosophila hydei: Slightly larger (3-4 mm) but slower in development (about 3 weeks at 24°C).
  

Why the CritterLatch is Perfect for Your Breeding::

The CritterLatch keeps your feeder insects safely in the breeding container and ensures a clean, controlled breeding environment. This is especially crucial for fruit flies like Drosophila hydei and melanogaster for stress-free handling.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of fine oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 7 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry yeast
• Water or apple juice (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
2. Let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes so that the oats absorb the liquid.
3. After soaking, check the consistency: It should be paste-like but not too runny. When turning the CritterLatch, nothing should spill out. If it’s too thick, add some water or apple juice until the right consistency is achieved.
4. Fill the mixture into your breeding container, add the flies, and securely close the CritterLatch

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of fine oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 9 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry yeast
• Water or apple juice (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
2. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes so that the oats can soak.
3. Check the consistency: It should be paste-like but not liquid, so the mixture won’t spill when turning the breeding container. If necessary, add more water or apple juice..
4. Fill the mixture into your breeding container, add the flies, and securely close the CritterLatch.

These recipes will help you start a stable and safe breeding of Drosophila hydei and melanogaster, and with the CritterLatch, everything will stay securely in place!