At Component Supply, we receive questions every day about recommendations for mesh opening sizes for a multitude of applications. Whether your separating larvae or blood samples, understanding mesh specifications and micron sizes is helpful in making sure your tests run smoothly.
The University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department published a paper on one of its “featured creatures” – the Drosohpila suzukii or more commonly known as spotted-wing drosophila, which is a species of fruit flies. Researchers working with species such as this need to understand what mesh filtration screening size they need in order to work with their specimen. While there are variations within the Drosohpila genus, general information is available to help researchers determine a mesh size they need depending on what stage in the life cycle they are working with. For quick reference purposes, the adult Drosohpila suzukii ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 microns. First instar larvae are around 70 microns and mature larvae can grow up to 6,000 microns. The pupae are between 2,000 and 3,000 microns long. Keep in mind that these are length measurements and not equivalent to what size mesh will either keep them in or out (depending on the application or requirement). Estimations will need to be made for each specific tests. However, Component Supply suggests ~1,000 micron mesh for adults and more developed larvae, ~ 400 micron mesh for pupae and ~40 micron mesh for earlier larvae. Because each test is different, we recommend trying several sizes to determine the mesh size needed for each individual test or application. That’s why we offer as little as a 1/4 yard length of mesh for purchase to researchers and product designers. To read more about the spotted-wing drosophila, click on the link below:
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/fruit/flies/drosophila_suzukii.htm