Larval Culture

Culture setup

Put poo into wide-mouthed plastic container
Add warm water (about 20°C) and mix well to form a slurry
Add vermiculite and mix with wooden spatula until a moist (but not wet) consistency is obtained
Place lid lightly on top (do not seal)
Place in incubator at room temperature
Leave to culture for between 7 and 14 days
During this time, check that the culture remains moist

Harvest:

Completely fill container with warm water and invert into a large petri dish
add a moat of water and leave for a few hours
The larvae will fall to the bottom and move into the moat
Aspirate the moat containing larvae into tube
Store at 12°C [or 4°C for extended periods]

Safety Precautions

Wear lab coat and disposable gloves
Wash hands thoroughly when finished

Cleaning Up Procedures

Dispose of any disposable equipment and harvested cultures in clinical waste bin
Wipe down work area with 70% ethanol
Ensure lab is clean and tidy