Insectary

The insectary supports research on various species of insects of agricultural and public health importance, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and Drosophila melanogaster. It is a modern multi-purpose facility for studying the genetics and molecular biology of insects and the generation of transgenic strains, equipped with a state-of-the-art embryo microinjection system. The insectary is comprised of a central kitchen and storage area and two separate rooms. The first one is a temperature-, humidity- and light-controlled room for the development of insect strains. The second, is a dark room for fluorescence and microinjection microscopy, equipped with a CO2 source for insect anaesthetization.