Figure 1.

Setup used to study the defecation behavior of insects. Insects were fed using an artificial blood feeder. Each insect was individually placed on a clear plastic container lined with filter paper, which was covered on top with a mesh cloth secured with a plastic lid with a hole (A) or rubber bands (B). Insects could freely extend their mouthparts through the mesh cloth and draw blood (b) from the artificial feeder. Each container had a filter paper ramp (r) that allowed the insects to reach the top mesh and feed. (A) Container used for feeding adults, third, fourth, and fifth instars. Each container had a small piece of filter paper impregnated with feces and footprints that acted as a refuge. (B) Container used to feed second instars. Scale bars: 5 cm.