Yet for those of us out there that keep cultures of insects (like this thriving B.orientalis colony) Christmas Eve, and even Christmas day is a day like any other.
In order to ensure that the colonies of insects that are used for screening, product development and behavioural studies are in peak health, their care is 365 days of the year.
Not only does this mean that the myriad species of beetles, moths, cockroaches and fly kept in rolling culture in the insectaries here are Wade Environmental are offered the best possible care and quality of life, but that when they are finally used to (for example) ascertain which attractant is in fact most attractive, they behave in a way unimpeded of confounding biases that a stressed, underfed or maltreated colony might exhibit.
So spare a thought for all our tireless technicians out there, ensuring that the wheels stay on the bus!
Thanking you all, and Merry Christmas!
