How to breed Cifox from fleas? - briefly
Maintain a breeding colony of adult fleas at 25‑28 °C and 70‑80 % humidity, provide regular blood meals, and isolate offspring that display the Cifox characteristics. Continue selecting these individuals each generation to establish a stable Cifox line.
How to breed Cifox from fleas? - in detail
Breeding Cifox from flea populations requires a controlled environment, precise nutritional support, and careful monitoring of developmental stages.
First, establish a quarantine chamber with temperature maintained at 22 °C ± 2 °C and relative humidity at 65 % ± 5 %. Use a sealed container equipped with ventilation filters to prevent escape and contamination. Install a digital thermostat and hygrometer for continuous data logging.
Second, acquire a starter culture of healthy adult fleas. Separate males and females for a 1:1 ratio, then place them together in a breeding arena containing a substrate of fine sand mixed with 10 % powdered yeast. The substrate should be 2 cm deep to allow larvae to burrow.
Third, provide a blood source. Use defibrinated rabbit blood diluted with sterile saline (1:1) and deliver it via a warmed feeder set at 37 °C. Feed the adult fleas twice daily for 30 minutes each session. Ensure the feeder is cleaned between uses to avoid bacterial growth.
Fourth, monitor egg laying. Within 24 hours of feeding, females will deposit eggs onto the substrate. Collect eggs with a fine brush and transfer them to a secondary incubation tray containing the same sand‑yeast mixture. Keep the tray under the same temperature and humidity conditions.
Fifth, support larval development. Larvae feed on the organic matter and shed exuviae. Add a supplemental diet of powdered fish meal (5 % of substrate mass) every 48 hours. Maintain cleanliness by removing dead larvae and excess waste to reduce mold risk.
Sixth, facilitate pupation. After approximately 5–7 days, larvae will spin cocoons. Increase humidity to 75 % for a 12‑hour window to promote successful pupation. Transfer cocoons to a dry chamber set at 20 °C for metamorphosis, which typically lasts 4–6 days.
Seventh, harvest mature Cifox specimens. Once adults emerge, verify species characteristics under a stereomicroscope—body length 1.5–2.0 mm, distinctive dorsal pattern, and antennae segmentation. Separate them from any remaining pupae and place them in a clean holding container with fresh blood feedings.
Finally, document each generation. Record dates of egg laying, larval counts, pupation rates, and adult emergence percentages. Use this data to adjust environmental parameters and improve yield in subsequent cycles.
By strictly controlling temperature, humidity, nutrition, and sanitation, reliable production of Cifox from flea colonies can be achieved with high reproducibility.