Galleria Larvae – Frequently Asked Questions
Information covered:
- Larval Specifications & Quality Control
- Shipping & Viability
- Ordering & Payment
- Handling, Support & Documentation
Larval Specifications & Quality Control
What is the average weight of the larvae?
Our standard larvae typically weigh 300 ± 30 mg, and are weighed in batches of 10. We can also provide other weight ranges upon request.
Are all larvae at the same developmental stage?
We cannot confirm the exact instar the larvae are in, but can trace their age within ± 4 days. Larvae are excluded from shipments if they show imminent signs of pupation. By combining known age with weight, the larvae are appropriately matched for experimental use.
How are larvae selected before shipment?
All larvae are hand-selected and batch weighed prior to dispatch. Moribund, immobile or melanised larvae are removed during our quality control checks.
Are larvae delivered as a single synchronized batch or split into sub-batches?
We can provide synchronised batches of up to 500 larvae. Larger orders may be taken at our discretion, and are not feasible on a long-term basis.
How many larvae are usually excluded during QC?
By hand-selecting larvae, we ensure 100% of your order number will leave our research centre in usable condition. However the effect of transit and your application of your own experimental thresholds may well mean more are excluded upon receipt. Where possible, we aim to supply you with 5-10% additional larvae on top of your order number to mitigate this.
Do you maintain internal batch traceability?
Yes. Each shipment is linked to internal records detailing rearing date and batch ID. At present, we only ship Wild Type larvae - which all originate from our single WT colony.
Are larvae treated with any additives during rearing?
No. We do not use antibodies, hormones or growth regulators during rearing unless specifically requested and discussed in advance.
Why do your larvae produce silk?
Many people who have worked with non-research grade Galleria mellonella larvae are surprised to learn that our research grade larvae produce silk feeding tunnels. This is an important part of their natural behaviour in the wild, where the silk tunnels protect them as they burrow through beehives, and is an indication of the health status of the organism. We are able to discuss with you how to prevent silking during your experiments if required.
What is the average weight of the larvae?
Our standard larvae typically weigh 300 ± 30 mg, and are weighed in batches of 10. We can also provide other weight ranges upon request.
Are all larvae at the same developmental stage?
We cannot confirm the exact instar the larvae are in, but can trace their age within ± 4 days. Larvae are excluded from shipments if they show imminent signs of pupation. By combining known age with weight, the larvae are appropriately matched for experimental use.
How are larvae selected before shipment?
All larvae are hand-selected and batch weighed prior to dispatch. Moribund, immobile or melanised larvae are removed during our quality control checks.
Are larvae delivered as a single synchronized batch or split into sub-batches?
We can provide synchronised batches of up to 500 larvae. Larger orders may be taken at our discretion, and are not feasible on a long-term basis.
How many larvae are usually excluded during QC?
By hand-selecting larvae, we ensure 100% of your order number will leave our research centre in usable condition. However the effect of transit and your application of your own experimental thresholds may well mean more are excluded upon receipt. Where possible, we aim to supply you with 5-10% additional larvae on top of your order number to mitigate this.
Do you maintain internal batch traceability?
Yes. Each shipment is linked to internal records detailing rearing date and batch ID. At present, we only ship Wild Type larvae - which all originate from our single WT colony.
Are larvae treated with any additives during rearing?
No. We do not use antibodies, hormones or growth regulators during rearing unless specifically requested and discussed in advance.
Why do your larvae produce silk?
Many people who have worked with non-research grade Galleria mellonella larvae are surprised to learn that our research grade larvae produce silk feeding tunnels. This is an important part of their natural behaviour in the wild, where the silk tunnels protect them as they burrow through beehives, and is an indication of the health status of the organism. We are able to discuss with you how to prevent silking during your experiments if required.
Shipping & Viability
How are larvae shipped?
Larvae are packed in petridishes with a small amount of wheatbran to help bind the silk produced. These are then packed into cardboard shipping boxes padded with packing chips and shipped at ambient temperature to ensure viability.
Which courier do you use for shipping?
Royal Mail is the only British postal service which will take carriage of live insects in appropriately packaged and labelled parcels. We use standard First Class postage (charged to recipient) unless otherwise arranged.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY AS THE MAJOR COURIERS (DHL, FEDEX, PARCELFORCE) DO NOT ACCEPT LIVE INSECTS IN TRANSIT.
What is the expected viability upon arrival?
We expect high levels of viability - upwards of 85%, provided there are no delays in shipping.
Is there a recommended window for use after delivery?
Yes. Larvae should ideally be used within 2 days of arrival for maximum consistency in size and behaviour. We do not endorse extended storage at low temperatures as this will affect viability, morphology and immune function.
How are larvae shipped?
Larvae are packed in petridishes with a small amount of wheatbran to help bind the silk produced. These are then packed into cardboard shipping boxes padded with packing chips and shipped at ambient temperature to ensure viability.
Which courier do you use for shipping?
Royal Mail is the only British postal service which will take carriage of live insects in appropriately packaged and labelled parcels. We use standard First Class postage (charged to recipient) unless otherwise arranged.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY AS THE MAJOR COURIERS (DHL, FEDEX, PARCELFORCE) DO NOT ACCEPT LIVE INSECTS IN TRANSIT.
What is the expected viability upon arrival?
We expect high levels of viability - upwards of 85%, provided there are no delays in shipping.
Is there a recommended window for use after delivery?
Yes. Larvae should ideally be used within 2 days of arrival for maximum consistency in size and behaviour. We do not endorse extended storage at low temperatures as this will affect viability, morphology and immune function.