LAUSR

Abstract. Heliothine moths are economically damaging insect pests, significantly affecting world crop production each year. Several species in the subfamily are commonly used in agricultural research laboratories. Research protocols should include methods to ensure that excess individuals are completely devitalized before being discarded, preventing further spread of the pests. Processes such as ultracold temperature freezing, autoclaving, or holding insects under adverse conditions for a long period of time are commonly used devitalization methods. Each method adds significant amounts of time and cost; also increasing competition for space in already crowded laboratories. While these frequently used methods might be necessary for some very resilient species, other species can succumb under less elaborate methods of devitalization. One hour of exposure to undiluted household bleach, brief exposure (>20 seconds) of wetted individuals to microwave radiation, storage in a household freezer for 48 hours, and contact with 70% isopropyl alcohol for 24 hours completely devitalized eggs and L1 larvae of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fab.). These very effective methods might also be applicable for other noctuid species.