Insect release devices
One example insect release device includes a vessel defining a volume, the vessel has first and second surfaces substantially opposite each other, the first surface defining an opening into the volume; a population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects within the volume; and a seal positioned to obstruct the opening and adhered to the first surface. Another example insect release device includes a vessel defining a volume; a population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects disposed within the volume; wherein the vessel is permanently sealed, and wherein release of the insect larvae or pupae or adult insects occurs upon rupture of the vessel. A further example insect release device includes a vessel defining a volume; a population of insects disposed within the volume; and a gimbal mechanism coupled to the vessel, the gimbal configured to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the vessel.
1. An insect release device comprising:
a disc-shaped vessel defining a volume and having a perimeter;
a plurality of fins extending from the perimeter;
a population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects disposed within the volume; and
wherein the disc-shaped vessel is permanently sealed, and wherein release of the population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects occurs upon rupture of the disc-shaped vessel.
2. The insect release device of claim 1 , wherein water or insect food is disposed within the volume.
3. The insect release device of claim 1 , further comprising a damp surface disposed within the volume.
4. The insect release device of claim 1 , wherein the disc-shaped vessel comprises a biodegradable material configured to sufficiently decompose within less than substantially 50 hours to rupture the disc-shaped vessel.
5. The insect release device of claim 4 , wherein the biodegradable material comprises one or more of (i) a cornstarch foam, (ii) one or more pectin capsules, (iii) paper, (iv) a mushroom-based foam, or (v) a plant-based plastic substitute.
6. The insect release device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fins are constructed to be flexible and to allow the ends of the fins to deflect away from a rest position.
7. A method of releasing insects into an environment, comprising:
providing an insect release device comprising:
a disc-shaped vessel defining a volume and having a perimeter, a plurality of fins extending from the perimeter; and
a population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects disposed within the volume, wherein the disc-shaped vessel is permanently sealed, and wherein release of the population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects occurs upon rupture of the disc-shaped vessel;
carrying, using a flying vehicle, the insect release device to a release altitude; and
releasing the insect release device from the flying vehicle.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein water or insect food is disposed within the volume.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the insect release device further comprises a damp surface disposed within the volume.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the disc-shaped vessel comprises a biodegradable material configured to sufficiently decompose within less than substantially 50 hours to rupture the disc-shaped vessel.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the biodegradable material comprises one or more of (i) a cornstarch foam, (ii) one or more pectin capsules, (iii) paper, (iv) a mushroom-based foam, or (v) a plant-based plastic substitute.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of fins are constructed to be flexible and to allow the ends of the fins to deflect away from a rest position.
13. A method of manufacturing an insect release device, comprising:
forming a first portion of a disc-shaped vessel;
forming a second portion of the disc-shaped vessel;
disposing a population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects disposed on the first portion of the disc-shaped vessel; and
permanently coupling the first and second portions of the disc-shaped vessel to form the disc-shaped vessel and define a perimeter and a volume containing the population of insect larvae or pupae or adult insects, wherein the disc-shaped vessel comprises a plurality of fins extending from the perimeter.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising forming the plurality of fins as a part of at least one of the first or second portion of the disc-shaped vessel.
15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising forming the plurality of fins, and attaching the plurality of fins to at least one of the first or second portion of the disc-shaped vessel.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein water or insect food is disposed within the volume.
17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising disposing a damp surface on the first or second portion of the disc-shaped vessel.
18. The method of claim 13 , wherein the disc-shaped vessel comprises a biodegradable material configured to sufficiently decompose within less than substantially 50 hours to rupture the disc-shaped vessel.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the biodegradable material comprises one or more of (i) a cornstarch foam, (ii) one or more pectin capsules, (iii) paper, (iv) a mushroom-based foam, or (v) a plant-based plastic substitute.
20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of fins are constructed to be flexible and to allow the ends of the fins to deflect away from a rest position.