I am preparing to conduct experiments with some of the specialist insect herbivores that occur on milkweeds (eg, monarch caterpillars, aphids, leaf beetles). I need to cage individual plants to keep the insects that I add on the plants and to prevent unwanted colonization of plants by other insects. I plan to use mesh bags that cover the entire plant. Bugdorm sells rearing bags that should work well for this purpose.
http://bugdorm.megaview.com.tw/insect-rearing-bag-w66xl100-cm-pack-of-6- p-50.html However, they will cost $11.43 each, which is expensive given that I probably need about 400 bags. So the question is, does anyone know of a more cost effective option? The cages need to be large enough to enclose milkweed plants, have mesh small enough that aphids can't get through it, and be composed of fabric that is UV resistant enough to last for at least an entire summer (preferably longer). If you have suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Nick Rasmussen solifu...@gmail.com
