The family Chironomidae is the most widely distributed and frequently the most abundant group of insects in freshwater environments. An enormous amount has been written about their biology (51, 69), and yet the detailed ecology and life cycles of the great majority of species are unknown and most general faunistic works either ignore the Chironomidae or deal with them superficially ( 146). The primary reason for such deficiencies is the lack of readily available "keys" for their identification, coupled with the large number of species frequently encountered within even a small water body. The recent generic diagnoses and keys to larvae and pupae of the Holaretie region (214, 2 1 5), which will shortly be followed by a similar treatment of adult males, should do much to remedy this situation. The first attempt to summarize the ecology of the Chironomidae was by Thienemann ( 1 89), and there have been two, more recent, reviews that provide useful summaries of the natural history of the group ( 136, 1 49).

Biology of Freshwater Chironomidae

Quality control in mass rearing

SummaryOriginally, a method to rear worker honey bee larvae in vitro was introduced into the field of bee biology to analyse honey bee physiology and caste development. Recently, it has become an increasingly important method in bee pathology and toxicology. The in vitro method of rearing larvae is complex and can be developed as an art by itself, especially if the aim is to obtain queens or worker bees which, for example, can be re-introduced into the colony as able members. However, a more pragmatic approach to in vitro rearing of larvae is also possible and justified if the aim is to focus on certain pathogens or compounds to be tested. It is up to the researcher(s) to decide on the appropriate experimental establishment and design. This paper will help with this decision and provide guidelines on how to adjust the method of in vitro rearing according to the specific needs of the scientific project.

Standard methods for artificial rearing of Apis mellifera larvae

A rearing method, based upon an artificial diet, has proved successful in establishing laboratory colonies of 36 species of the genus Euxoa. The diet is described, along with methods for controlling disease, particularly by the use of antimicrobial agents.Many of the 36 species of Euxoa have not been reared before and their habits and life histories are little known. The data derived from their development under laboratory conditions and which can be related to seasonal distribution are recorded. Particular emphasis is given to the overwintering stage and to the occurrence of an aestivating stage.

Erma S. Vanderzant

Papers

Development, Significance, and Application of Artificial Diets for Insects