Testing mealworms for toxins

[acpart]

You may have noticed in another thread that Marcia is arranging for some of her mealworms to be tested for toxins. She listed the cost for each test and it's going to run her hundreds of dollars. I'm suggesting that if anyone wants to contribute to offset the cost of this testing, which may benefit us all, her paypal address is:

[email protected]

I have Marcia's permission to post this.

Please note,that I'm making a suggestion that people can act on or not as they see fit. I would prefer that this thread not turn into a discussion of whether or not we should do this.

Aliza

 

[Stitchex]

Yay for Marcia!!! Thanks for posting this Aliza too^^.

 

[godzillizard]

We could find an ambitous entomology grad student to do the dirty work for us I'm worried the captive (American) mealworm population is going the way of the dinos...
so far, I've heard these theories:

1. contaminated (pesticide) bedding/food
2. genetically altered food sources
3. extreme weather fluctuations
4. sterile beetles (low fecundity-possibly due to lack of new bloodlines)
5. species specific/exclusive virus--incorporated into the DNA of the captive mealie population--this one really scares me!
6. introduced fungus (similar to Dutch Elm disease)
and I'm sure i'm forgetting some...I REALLY hope we're wrong--maybe it's just homeostasis issues...anyway, we deserve some answers :main_robin:

 

[MichaelJ]

i have a solid background in entomology and chemistry. I'll speak with my vet about supplies for testing, and see what i can do as far as testing a few groups myself.

One problem is that we'll need a control and variable group.. Luckily, we started raising all of our own feeders about 8 months ago, so i have plenty of organic raised specimens, and will just run up to a shop nearby and grab a cup of the retail gang..

i'll look into what i can find..

Does anyone know any specifics as to the form of toxins, types of molds, etc.??

I'll also get my friend who is an allergist involved becuase he's well versed in testing for abnormal chemicals. The guy makes pollen and mold spore count slides each morning! Although, when you're as rich as him, you have to find something to do! LOL

Mj