Welcome to the MSU Insect Rearing Center

Pieces of the Puzzle Necessary
to Have a Successful Rearing Program

The concept of developing an insect rearing center at Mississippi State University (MSU) to house new rearing facilities, sponsor a yearly workshop, conduct insect rearing research, rear insects for research, and conduct other activities related to rearing was conceived in the year 2000. A facility was planned, designed, constructed, and completed in 2001. The main facility of approximately 3,100 ft2 (290 m2) is located in the basement of the Lyle Entomology Building and consists of four rooms where staff and students conduct general rearing tasks and six state-of-the-art, walk-in, environment controlled rearing rooms. Later, a small building adjacent to Lyle Entomology was designed and built to house adult lepidoptera and to provide additional rearing space. In recent years, upgrades in the humidification and temperature control systems have been made.

For further information concerning the MSU Insect Rearing Center and its programs, contact Dr. Frank Davis, Volunteer Director, MSU Insect Rearing Center, by e-mail (fdavis@entomology.msstate.edu) or by phone [(662) 325-2983].

HELP NEEDED! Burkhard Rook, a 2001 workshop alumni, would like assistance in obtaining some cotton stainers (Dysdercus cingulatus) to build up his laboratory colony. If you or someone you know, is rearing cotton stainers and would be willing to share some egg masses with him, please e-mail him at (burkhard.rook@bayercropscience.com).