Black Fly or Black Bean Aphids are very similar in size to the Greenfly and are by far the easiest species of aphid to culture and so this is the species I have chosen to describe here.
- First you will need a number of disposable containers; 500ml plastic cups or jam jars are ideal.
- Fill the cup to roughly 3/4 full with untreated sawdust.
- Next place a handful of Broad beans, Sugar beat or Dock leaves onto the sawdust.
- Add another layer of sawdust this time to 1 - 2cm.
- Add 200ml of room temperature water, cover with cling film and leave to stand on a windowsill for a week.
- After 7 days remove the cling film and place inside a fly net (wooden frame covered with fine mesh or muslin). At this stage it is best to start a new batch of cultures.
- You are now ready to add you’re Aphids, it is possible to start a culture from 1 large female but it is always best to give it a good start by introducing a dozen or so to start.
- After 4-5 days the culture will need watering again, trying not to disturb the Aphids too much if possible, remember do not add too much water 100ml or so should be enough
- After another 4-5 days your culture should be ready to be harvested this can be done by simply blowing the Aphids into the terrarium.
