Aphids

[Exotic-Mantis]

Is it possible to purchase aphids anywhere? I doubt it because they are concidered pests, but so are flies and they sell them, so i'm not sure. Does anyone know?

Thanks

Eros

 

[infinity]

If you find out, let me know because I prefer aphids! - slower, don't jump and *psychologically* less 'dirty' than flies or crickets...

Or you could breed them? - they're hermaphrodites I believe so stick one on a rose or something soft-stemmed and you'll have colonies in no time

oops, meant parthenogenic

 

[Jesse]

Aphids are much more difficult to culture/breed than you would think. A lot of them actually have seasonal/cyclical food preferences. Most also have a sexual and a parthenogenic (not hermaphroditic) phase which depends on the season.

 

[Mantis Keeper]

Bark mantids don't seem to like aphids, mine wouldn't touch them.

 

[Chris Dickie]

thought blades-biological did them

this may be them http://www.blades-bio.co.uk/arthropods.htm

right column, 4 down

whether he'd export them I dont know

also seem a bit pricy but may be worthwhile if that starts a colony