2 Flight Cage Construction

The paired iLAM flight cages described in our original publication used the following materials:

Table 2.1: iLAM materials
Item Function Units/Setup
Black mosquito head net mesh big size, 6.69” x 3.94” x 1.38” Cage 2
Wooden embroidery hoop, 14” Cage 4
Wooden embroidery hoop, 8” Cage 2
Hardwood plywood, 1/2” x 4’ x 8’ Structure 0.25
Steel threaded rod, 3/8”-16 x 2’ Structure 6
Steel hex nut, 3/8”-16 Structure 36
Steel washer, 3/8” Structure 36
No See Um fiberglass mesh screening, 36” x 25’ Cover 0.04
Falcon tube, 50mL Water 2
Braided cotton roll, 4” Water 2
Sponge Water 2
Raspberry Pi Zero W Computer 2
Raspberry Pi Zero W Case Case 2
Raspberry Pi Zero W camera module night vision w/ 3.6mm, 2pcs IR sensor LED light Camera 2
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSD card Memory 2
Micro USB charging cord/block Power 2

All materials were purchased from local hardware stores, art supply chains, Raspberry Pi suppliers, and Amazon

The three cage levels were made with the following cuts:

  • Top: 31 1/2” x 10 1/2”
    • Two Circles: 13 3/8” diameter (<14” hoop)
  • Bottom: 31 1/2” x 10 1/2”
    • Two Circles: 7 1/2” diameter (<8” hoop)
    • Hole for camera ribbon
  • Base: 31 1/2” x 10 1/2”
iLAM flight cage: front view

Figure 2.1: iLAM flight cage: front view

iLAM flight cage: top-down view

Figure 2.2: iLAM flight cage: top-down view

Tips:

  • To increase the lifespan of experimental insects and the experiment’s recording duration, add cups with moist sponges and a falcon tube with a cotton roll and water (held by Velcro)
  • To prevent escape by small experimental insects (e.g., Photinus species), add duct-tape around the camera ribbon cable hole and camera
  • Depending on the color that the study insect appears under infrared light (i.e., white vs. black appearance), change the background of the lid to maximize contrast
  • To minimize differences in the photographed light environment throughout light:dark/dark:light transitions, we now:
    • Cover the Raspberry Pi’s light sensors with black duct tape or plastic; this “tricks” the Pi to keep it’s infrared lights on 24/7
    • Cover the Raspberry Pi’s camera lens with a longpass filter that only permits infrared light to the camera
    • Optional add-ons: Realtime clock (RTC) module