A laboratory rearing technique of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) on natural diet, with fast and easy maintenance and reduced mechanical damage to insects was developed. The technique is suitable for producing insects to be used on bioassays for entomopathogenic fungi selection, because no antibiotics are added to the diet. The rearing containers are made with PVC tubes (<FONT FACE=Symbol>Æ</FONT>10 cm x 25 cm length) and PVC caps; a nylon mesh (3 mm) is adapted to the lower part of the container to facilitate the collection of insects. From 350 to 400 ripe and bored coffee fruits should be put in each container. Every 48h, 30-120 insects/container can be collected and used in bioassays or the rearing maintenance. This technique allows obtaining great number of borers in natural diet, with low manipulation and high productivity.
Insecta; mass rearing; bioessay; biological control
