Assessment of Small‐Scale Laboratory Rearing Systems for <scp> <i>Frankliniella occidentalis</i> </scp> (Western Flower Thrips) Using a Single Female

ABSTRACT Reliable laboratory rearing of Frankliniella occidentalis is critical for experimental consistency in entomological research. This study validates and optimises three small‐scale rearing systems initiated from a single female thrips using various organic fruits, flowers and pollen as feed, along with moist cotton, blotting paper and vermiculite bedding. Each system was evaluated for survival, reproductive output, microbial contamination, duration of feed suitability and maintenance requirements. While the box cage supported large‐scale colony expansion with high reproductive success, the Falcon tube system provided a clean, controlled environment suitable for initiating colonies from single females. The Petri dish setup enabled detailed observation of early developmental stages but required frequent feed replacement due to rapid degradation. These findings provide a practical, comparative framework for selecting the most suitable small‐scale rearing system, with simple and accessible methods that allow reliable replication and efficient Frankliniella occidentalis colony establishment and maintenance, using an identified individual to ensure species specificity.