EGG LAYING DEVICE FOR FLIES

Abstract

Egg laying device for flies, the device comprising: —a fly cage (20) comprising a container (22) comprising: —a base wall (26) which defines a base surface (30) which is orientated towards the interior of the cage (20), and —a lateral wall (28) which surrounds the base surface (30) and which defines a lateral surface (33) which is orientated towards the interior of the cage, and —a laying nest (50) which is intended to receive eggs laid by flies (M) which are enclosed in the cage (20), in which device the base surface and/or the lateral surface has/have, over more than 90% of the area(s) thereof, a radius of curvature greater than 0.5 cm, wherein the base surface (30) extends in a plane in an uninterrupted manner as far as the junction zone with the lateral surface (33).

Claims

1. An egg laying device for flies, comprising: a fly cage comprising a container comprising a base wall which defines a base surface which is oriented toward an interior of the fly cage, and a lateral wall which surrounds the base surface and which defines a lateral surface which is oriented toward the interior of the fly cage, and a laying nest fixed to the fly cage and which is configured to receive eggs laid by flies which are enclosed in the fly cage, wherein the egg laying device, the base surface, and/or the lateral surface has or have, over more than 90% of area(s) defined by the egg laying device, the base surface, and the base structure, a radius of curvature greater than 0.5 cm, and wherein the base surface extends in a plane in an uninterrupted manner as far as a junction zone with the lateral surface.

2. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein the base surface and/or the lateral surface and/or an internal surface of the container do or does not have any re-entrant edge or has or have one or more re-entrant edges, wherein a cumulative length of the one or more re-entrant edges is such that a ratio of the cumulative length to the area of the base surface and/or the area of the lateral surface and/or an area of the internal surface of the container, respectively, is less than 1,200 mm/m.sup.2.

3. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein the base surface and/or the lateral surface has or have over more than 99% of the area(s) thereof, a radius of curvature greater than 2 cm.

4. The egg laying device according to claim 3 wherein the base surface and/or the lateral surface has or have over more than 99% of the area(s) thereof, a radius of curvature greater than 5 cm.

5. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein no component is positioned or fixed on the base surface.

6. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein the lateral wall comprises a plurality of planar faces, and a junction zone between two adjacent faces of the plurality of planar faces having at any point a radius of curvature greater than 1 cm.

7. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein the container defines a junction zone between the lateral surface and the base surface which has at any point a radius of curvature greater than 1 cm.

8. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein a height of an internal surface of the container is between 0.4 m and 1.8 m.

9. The egg laying device according to claim 1 further comprising a cover fixed to the lateral wall by a hook-and-loop strip.

10. The egg laying device according to claim 1 wherein the base surface and/or the lateral surface has or have a white colour or a colour in the colour spectrum between 472 nm and 600 nm.

11. An installation, comprising: a unit for producing flies, a unit for producing eggs which are laid by flies, a unit for producing young larvae from eggs, a unit for producing adult larvae from young larvae, and a unit for processing the adult larvae in order to produce a protein-containing product and/or a fertiliser and/or an oil, wherein the unit for producing eggs comprising an egg laying device according to claim 1.

12. The installation according to claim 11 wherein the flies are Hermetia illucens flies.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0092] Other features and advantages of the invention will be further appreciated from a reading of the following detailed non-limiting description and the examination of the appended drawings, in which:

[0093] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an entomoculture installation using flies;

[0094] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the definition of a re-entrant edge and a radius of curvature;

[0095] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an egg laying device according to the invention, the cover being detached;

[0096] FIG. 3bis is a view similar to FIG. 3 of an embodiment;

[0097] FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal section of a simplified example of a detail of the device of FIG. 3, the number of egg laying apertures preferably being much higher;

[0098] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the examples of laying nests.

[0099] In the different Figures, identical or similar reference numerals are used to denote components or component portions which are identical or similar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] FIGS. 3 and 3bis illustrate an example of an egg laying device 13 according to the invention. This device is intended for the exploitation of BSF flies, but the invention is not limited to this fly.

[0101] This device comprises a fly cage 20 and a laying nest 50.

[0102] Fly Cage

[0103] The fly cage 20 is intended to enclose a batch of flies M, which is preferably constituted by more than 500 flies, preferably more than 1000 flies, and/or less than 50,000 flies, preferably less than 20,000 flies.

[0104] The cage is preferably constituted by a container 22 and a cover 24 for closing the container 22.

[0105] The container 22, which is preferably monobloc, is preferably made from a polymer material, for example, polyethylene. It comprises a base wall 26 and a lateral wall 28 which together define the internal surface of the container. Preferably, the internal surface of the container does not have any undercut surface, that is to say, a surface which would prevent or inhibit the container from being removed from the mould along the axis X.

[0106] The base wall 26 internally defines a base surface 30, which is preferably substantially planar and which, in the service position, preferably extends horizontally.

[0107] The lateral wall 28 defines, at the side of the interior of the cage, a lateral surface 33 which extends, preferably substantially perpendicularly to the base surface 30 as far as an upper rim 34.

[0108] The base and lateral walls also define a junction zone 36 between the lateral surface 33 and the base surface 30. The junction zone 36 preferably ensures a progressive transition between the lateral surface 33 and the base surface 30.

[0109] The internal surface of the container is thus constituted by the base surface 30, the lateral surface 28 and the junction zone 36 between these base and lateral surfaces.

[0110] The cage 20, preferably the container 22, more preferably the lateral wall 28, is preferably passed through by a connection aperture 29 which can selectively be closed and which is intended for introducing the flies into the cage. The connection aperture 29 preferably has a passage area greater than 50 cm.sup.2, preferably greater than 100 cm.sup.2, and/or preferably less than 1500 cm.sup.2, preferably less than 1000 cm.sup.2.

[0111] Preferably, the base surface 30 which is delimited by an external contour 31 is continuous, that is to say that it remains planar and uninterrupted as far as its external contour, where it joins the junction zone 36 with the lateral surface 33. In particular, it does not comprise any through-opening, for example, a bung-hole which is intended for the discharge of liquid contained in the container 22. The term “planar base surface” is intended to be understood to mean that the base surface 30 does not have any raised portions or depressions, the height of which measured perpendicularly to the general plane of the base surface is greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm. Preferably, the base surface 30 is smooth to the touch.

[0112] More preferably, the base surface 30 has a white, green, blue or yellow colour, preferably yellow, or is transparent. The colour spectrum is preferably between 472 nm and 600 nm.

[0113] The colour is preferably uniform. Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that these colours were favourable for the reproduction of the flies.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the base wall 26 defines sleeves 32 which are suitable for introducing forks of a pallet truck. A plurality of egg laying devices according to the invention may thus be stacked in order to constitute a vertical farm according to the invention.

[0115] The height h.sub.33 of the internal surface of the container is preferably constant. It is preferably greater than 0.4 m, preferably greater than 0.5 m and/or preferably less than 2 m, preferably less than 1.8 m or less than 1.5 m or 0.8 m. A height between 0.4 m and 1.8 m is particularly advantageous. This is because the inventors have discovered that such a height does not impede the flight of the flies and therefore promotes their well-being. When a pair of flies falls onto the base surface 30 in order to mate, however, the impact suffered by these flies remains insignificant and does not lead to them becoming separated.

[0116] The lateral wall 28 is preferably constituted by a polymer material, preferably polyethylene, preferably constituted from the same material as the base wall.

[0117] Preferably, the lateral surface 33 has a white, green, blue or yellow colour, preferably yellow, or is transparent. The colour is preferably uniform, preferably identical to the colour of the base surface. The colour spectrum is preferably between 472 nm and 600 nm.

[0118] Preferably, the junction zone 36 between the lateral surface 33 and the base surface 30 has a white, green, blue or yellow colour, preferably yellow, or is transparent. The colour is preferably uniform, preferably identical to the colour of the base surface. The colour spectrum is preferably between 472 nm and 600 nm.

[0119] The shape of the lateral wall 28 is not limiting. Preferably, however, the lateral wall 28 is constituted by a plurality of substantially planar faces, preferably more than 3 faces and/or less than 10 faces, preferably less than six faces, preferably four faces. The angle which is formed between two adjacent faces is preferably constant, whatever pair of two faces is being considered. In one embodiment, the faces of the lateral wall 28 all have the same length.

[0120] In the preferred embodiment, the lateral wall 28 has a plurality of planar faces which define a profile-member having a cross-section (that is to say, in a plane perpendicular to the axis X) which is polygonal, preferably rectangular, preferably square. The spatial requirement of the cage is thereby advantageously reduced.

[0121] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the junction zone 35 between two adjacent faces which is delimited by broken lines in FIG. 3, and which is preferably substantially vertical, does not define a re-entrant edge. In other words, the change in direction of the lateral surface 28 is progressive between these two faces. The junction zone 35 preferably ensures a progressive transition between the two adjacent faces.

[0122] More preferably, the junction zone 36 between the lateral surface 33 and the base surface 30 does not have any re-entrant edge.

[0123] The absence of edges advantageously limits the clutches of eggs in the junction zones between the faces or between the lateral wall and the base wall.

[0124] In general, the internal surface of the container 22 defines only a minimum of re-entrant edges. On average, on the base surface 30 and/or on the lateral surface 33, or on the whole of the internal surface of the container, the cumulative length of the re-entrant edges is preferably such that, if La denotes the cumulative length of the re-entrant edges on the surface being considered, and S denotes the area S of this surface, La/S<1200 mm/m.sup.2, preferably La/S<1000 mm/m.sup.2, preferably La/S<900 mm/m.sup.2, preferably La/S<850 mm/m.sup.2, preferably La/S<800 mm/m.sup.2, without counting any re-entrant edges in the junction zone between the base surface and the lateral surface, preferably counting any re-entrant edges in the junction zone between the base surface and the lateral surface.

[0125] Preferably, the orientation of the internal surface changes progressively everywhere (when it changes). Preferably, the lateral surface 28 and the base surface 30 have, over more than 70% of the area(s) thereof, preferably over more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 99% of the area thereof, more than 99.5%, more than 99.9%, preferably substantially 100% of the area(s) thereof, a radius of curvature greater than 0.5 cm, preferably greater than 1 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, preferably greater than 7 cm, and/or less than 30 cm.

[0126] The cover 24 is intended to close the container 22. It is preferably removable. More preferably, it is fixed to the upper rim 34 of the lateral wall 28. It can particularly be fixed to the container by means of a hook-and-loop strip of the Velcro® type, the first and second portions 40.sub.22 and 40.sub.24 of which are bonded to the upper rim 34 and the periphery of the cover 24, respectively. The attachment and detachment of the cover 24 are thus very rapid. Furthermore, a continuous hook-and-loop strip effectively prevents the flies from moving towards the exterior of the cage.

[0127] The cover 24 is preferably open-worked so as to allow the external light, the ambient air and a liquid, preferably water, to pass. In the preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a grill 42, the mesh of which is sized to prevent the passage of a fly. Preferably, each mesh has an equivalent diameter less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm. A flexible grill of the type used to constitute anti-mosquito nets is highly suitable.

[0128] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3bis, container 22 of fly cage 20 may have at least one through-opening 220 on the lateral wall 28. This through-opening 220 is rectangular.

[0129] The through-opening 220 shall extend over more than 90% of the face of the lateral surface carrying it.

[0130] The through-opening 220 extends over more than 90% of the area of the face of the lateral surface carrying it.

[0131] The through-opening has a mesh 221 identical to the mesh 221 on cover 24.

[0132] Laying Nest and Egg Laying Aperture

[0133] The laying nest 50 is intended to receive and fix eggs laid by the flies which are enclosed in the cage.

[0134] Preferably, the laying nest 50 is fixed to the cage, preferably in a removable manner. It defines an egg laying zone 52 which preferably defines at least one re-entrant edge 53, for example, in the form of an angle or a corner, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Preferably, the angle of the re-entrant edge 53 is greater than 60°, 80° and/or less than 120°, 100°, preferably of approximately 90°.

[0135] Preferably, at least one re-entrant edge 53 of the egg laying zone 52 has a length greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, more preferably greater than 40 mm, 60 mm or 100 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the re-entrant edge 53 is closed on itself, that is to say that it forms a closed loop. The inventors have discovered that such an edge is particularly effective for bringing about the laying of eggs.

[0136] FIG. 5 illustrates different examples of laying nests 50 which have different re-entrant edges 53. In each example, a re-entrant edge has been drawn with bold lines. The length of this edge is the length of the bold line.

[0137] The laying nest 50 is preferably constituted by a polymer material.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the laying nest 50 is preferably at the outer side of the cage and is arranged near an egg laying aperture 54 which is arranged through the cage 20, preferably through the container 22 and more preferably through the lateral wall 28.

[0139] The egg laying aperture 54 preferably has a tubular shape. In cross section, that is to say, in a plane of section perpendicular to the axis Y of the egg laying aperture, the egg laying aperture 54 has a contour without any angle, which is preferably strictly concave, preferably circular or oval. The risk of eggs being laid in an undesirable manner in the egg laying aperture 54 itself is thus advantageously limited.

[0140] In a cross section, preferably in any cross section, the equivalent diameter of the egg laying aperture 54 is preferably greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 2.5 mm and/or preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm.

[0141] The length L.sub.54 of the egg laying aperture 54, measured along the axis Y, is preferably greater than 0.1 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, and/or preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0142] The inventors have discovered that such dimensions of the egg laying aperture 54 limit the risk of eggs being laid in an undesirable manner in the egg laying aperture while preventing the passage of the flies.

[0143] The egg laying aperture 54 opens, towards the exterior of the cage, via an external opening 56. The egg laying zone 52 which is associated with the egg laying aperture 54 is the zone of the laying nest on which the flies can lay eggs when they are laying eggs through the egg laying aperture 54. It is preferably ribbed.

[0144] The laying nest 50 is arranged in relation to the external opening 56 in such a manner that the egg laying zone 52 is facing the external opening 56 and is preferably spaced apart from the external opening 56. Advantageously, eggs can thus be deposited on the egg laying zone 52 without coming into contact with the edge of the external opening 56, and more generally without coming into contact with the egg laying aperture 54.

[0145] Preferably, the egg laying zone 52 is spaced apart from the external opening 56 by a spacing d greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 8 mm, and/or preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm.

[0146] Preferably, the egg laying zone 52 is spaced apart from the internal opening of the egg laying aperture 54, which is opposite the external opening and via which the egg laying aperture opens in the cage, by a spacing (d+L.sub.54) greater than 4.5 mm, preferably greater than 6.5 mm, preferably greater than 9.5 mm and/or preferably less than 21.5 mm, preferably less than 16.5 mm, preferably less than 11.5 mm.

[0147] More preferably, the laying nest 50 is not in contact with the portion of the lateral wall which defines the egg laying aperture. Preferably, it is spaced apart therefrom by a spacing 6 greater than 0.1 mm and/or less than 5 mm.

[0148] Preferably, the egg laying aperture 54 is provided in a region of the cage which, in the service position, receives less light than the remainder of the internal surface of the container 22, and in particular receives less light than the remainder of the lateral surface. To this end, particularly when the interior of the cage 20 receives light through the cover 24, the cage comprises an obstacle 58 which prevents the light from directly illuminating the egg laying aperture 54. This obstacle 58 may be constituted by, for example, a cap or a sleeve which opens at one side inside the cage and, at the opposite side, towards the egg laying aperture 54. The shape of the sleeve is not limited and may, for example, be tubular. The sleeve may or may not be rectilinear and may particularly have a baffle. The inventors have found that a protection of the egg laying aperture 54 in order to prevent it from being directly illuminated effectively promotes the egg laying through the egg laying aperture.

[0149] Odoriferous Source

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the egg laying device further comprises an odoriferous source 62 which generates an odour which attracts the flies, preferably a putrefaction odour.

[0151] The form of the odoriferous source 62 is not limiting. Preferably, the odoriferous source 62 is dry. It may in particular be in the form of a solid block or a powder. In an embodiment, the odoriferous source 62 is humid, for example, constituted by a wick soaked in an odoriferous liquid.

[0152] The odoriferous source 62 is arranged so as to attract the flies present in the cage towards the egg laying aperture 54. Preferably, the odoriferous source 62 is arranged at the side of the external opening 56 of the egg laying aperture 54 in such a manner that, for the flies, the odour comes from the egg laying aperture 54.

[0153] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the odoriferous source 62 is arranged at the side of the laying nest 50 opposite the egg laying zone 52. More preferably, the laying nest 50 is perforated with one or preferably several channels 64 which allow(s) the passage of the odours emitted by the odoriferous source 62 towards the egg laying aperture 54. Preferably, any channel 64 is formed to prevent the passage of the eggs of the flies. The equivalent diameter of the cross section of the channel 64 is preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm and/or preferably greater than 0.5 mm.

[0154] At least one channel 64 is preferably arranged near the egg laying aperture 54, preferably at less than 30 mm, preferably at less than 20 mm, preferably at less than 10 mm from the egg laying aperture 54. Preferably, at least one channel 64 is arranged at less than 20 mm, preferably at less than 10 mm from any egg laying aperture 54.

[0155] The cage 20 preferably has a plurality of egg laying apertures, preferably more than 10, preferably more than 50, preferably more than 100 egg laying apertures 54. The risk of obstructing an egg laying aperture 54 is thus limited. Preferably, the cage has less than 10,000, preferably less than 5000, preferably less than 1000 egg laying apertures.

[0156] The spacing between two adjacent egg laying apertures 54 is preferably greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, and/or preferably less than 10 mm. The inventors have discovered that such a distribution of the egg laying apertures offers a good compromise between dimensions and efficiency.

[0157] Preferably, the egg laying aperture(s) is/are arranged in an egg laying plate 66 which is preferably removable, that is to say, detachable. The egg laying plate 66, which is preferably planar, may particularly be in the form of a grill perforated by egg laying apertures which are substantially circular.

[0158] More preferably, the egg laying plate 66 extends parallel with the laying nest 50, preferably without being in contact with it. Preferably, the smallest spacing 6 between the egg laying plate 66 and the laying nest, when measured along the axis Y of the egg laying apertures 54, is greater than 0.1 mm and/or less than 5 mm.

[0159] The egg laying plate 66 is preferably sufficiently rigid not to become deformed. Advantageously, the spacing between the external openings of the egg laying apertures 54 and the corresponding egg laying zones 52 is thus constant over time, and preferably identical whatever the egg laying aperture being considered. The distribution of the eggs between the different egg laying zones is advantageously more uniform. Preferably, this spacing d is greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 8 mm and/or preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, whatever the egg laying aperture being considered.

[0160] The thickness of the egg laying plate 66 defines the length L.sub.54 of the egg laying apertures. It is preferably constant, preferably greater than 0.1 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, and/or preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0161] Preferably, the spacing (d+L.sub.54) is greater than 4.5 mm, preferably greater than 6.5 mm, preferably greater than 9.5 mm, and/or preferably less than 21.5 mm, preferably less than 16.5 mm, preferably less than 11.5 mm.

[0162] The egg laying plate 66 is preferably made from a plastics material or a metal, preferably from a stainless steel.

[0163] An egg laying zone of the laying nest is associated with each egg laying aperture. In a preferred embodiment, all the egg laying zones 52 are defined by the same monobloc laying nest. The laying nest 50 may in particular extend parallel with the egg laying plate 66. When observed perpendicularly to the egg laying plate, it may have an external contour which is substantially identical to the contour of the egg laying plate 66 so as to extend in alignment with the egg laying plate 66 in the service position, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0164] The laying nest 50 may extend vertically, as illustrated in FIG. 4. However, the vertical orientation is not limiting. In particular, in one embodiment which is not illustrated, the laying nest 50 may extend horizontally.

[0165] The laying nest 50 is preferably fixed to the cage. Advantageously, the egg laying device is more easily manipulable, in particular in order to constitute a vertical farm. The laying nest 50 may be fixed to the cage 20 by any means.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, the laying nest 50 and the egg laying plate 66 are arranged in a tubular support 68, for example, a tube, for example, of PVC, which has an internal diameter greater than 100 mm and which extends through the container 22, preferably the lateral wall 28. They preferably extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis Z of the tubular support 68 and more preferably have an external contour which substantially complements the internal surface of the tubular support 68 so as to substantially close the tubular support 68.

[0167] The tubular support 68 preferably protrudes inside the cage 20, preferably over a length d.sub.58 which is greater than 5 cm, preferably greater than 10 cm and/or less than 30 cm, preferably less than 20 cm. Thus, it may constitute an obstacle 58 to the light which irradiates the interior of the container, without increasing the spatial requirement of the device.

[0168] The device preferably comprises a stopper 69 for closing the tubular support at the side opposite the cage.

[0169] Liquid Source

[0170] The egg laying device 13 preferably comprises a liquid source 70, preferably a water source, which is arranged so as to be able to introduce the liquid Li inside the cage, preferably as a result of gravitational force, preferably through the cover.

[0171] The form of the liquid source is not limiting.

[0172] Light Source

[0173] An egg laying device according to the invention also preferably comprises a light source 80, which is preferably external with respect to the cage and which is suitable for exposing the interior of the cage to a light Lu and which is preferably suitable for not directly illuminating the egg laying aperture(s) 54.

[0174] The form of the light source is not limiting.

[0175] Operation

[0176] The operation of the egg laying device 13 according to the invention follows directly from the above description. It is described in the preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the device.

[0177] Initially, the cage 20 which does not contain any flies, but also preferably no other object either, is closed by attaching the flexible cover 24 over the entire length of the upper rim 34 of the lateral wall 28. The laying nest 50 is fixed in the tubular support 68 on the exterior of the egg laying plate 66, which is itself fixed in the tubular support 68. The odoriferous source 62 is arranged in the tubular support, at the side of the laying nest opposite the egg laying zones 52. The tubular support 68 is then closed with the stopper 69 at the side opposite the cage so as to prevent the diffusion of odours from this side.

[0178] The connection aperture 29 is then connected to a source of flies, which is not illustrated, for example, by means of a flexible pipe.

[0179] After the connection aperture 29 has been opened, flies M are thus introduced, via the connection aperture 29, into the cage 20. The connection aperture 29 is then closed so as to enclose the flies in the cage. The pipe can be disconnected.

[0180] The dimensions of the cage 20 allow the flies to fly and to mate. In particular, when a female fly and a male fly prepare to mate, they fall together onto the base surface 30. The limited height of the lateral wall prevents this fall from being excessively violent.

[0181] At least until the eggs are laid, a nutritional liquid, preferably water, produced by the liquid source 70, is introduced into the cage 20. The quantity of liquid introduced is controlled in order to prevent any accumulation of liquid in the bottom of the container 22.

[0182] The light source 80 illuminates the interior of the cage through the grill 42 of the cover 24. The tubular support 68 protects the egg laying apertures from any direct illumination by the light source 80.

[0183] When they are ready to lay eggs, the female flies search for micro-cavities which are defined by re-entrant edges in order to deposit their eggs there. However, the internal surface of the container 22 is smooth and its orientation changes progressively, including in the junction zones 35 between the faces of the lateral wall and in the junction zones 36 between the lateral wall and the base wall. It does not comprise such re-entrant edges or comprises very small quantities thereof.

[0184] Furthermore, the odoriferous source 62 emits an odour which passes through the laying nest 50 via the channels 64, then passes through the lateral wall, in this instance the egg laying plate 66, in order to be introduced into the cage 20 via the egg laying apertures 54. This odour attracts the female flies.

[0185] Furthermore, the female flies search for the micro-cavities which are least exposed to light and are therefore attracted by the shaded zone produced by the tubular support 68 when the light source 80 is above the cage 20. The female flies on the point of laying eggs are therefore attracted towards the egg laying apertures both by the attractive odour and by the shade.

[0186] When a fly M reaches a location near an egg laying aperture 54, it can observe, through the egg laying aperture 54, the presence of an egg laying zone 52 which has a micro-cavity, in the shade, and from which the attractive odour appears to come. Therefore, it is powerfully encouraged to deposit its eggs at that location.

[0187] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 4, it introduces its ovipositor in the egg laying aperture 54. The egg laying aperture 54 is sufficiently narrow to prevent the fly from leaving the cage. However, it allows it to reach the egg laying zone 52 in order to deposit its eggs O at that location.

[0188] Subsequently, the fly returns to the cage 20.

[0189] At any time, an operator can access the laying nest 50 without having to enter the cage 20, and without any risk that a fly can leave the cage. The operator therefore retrieves the eggs without disturbing the life of the flies inside the cage, for example, by removing the laying nest of the tubular support and then by shaking it. He/she can then place the eggs in incubation in order to ensure the hatching of the larvae, then their rearing. Finally, he/she can process the adult larvae in order to obtain the desired products.

[0190] As now clearly appears, the invention provides an egg laying device which is highly suitable for a method of entomoculture using flies.

[0191] The eggs can be retrieved at any time in a simple manner without disturbing the flies in the cage. The form of the cage, and in particular the limitation of the length of the re-entrant edges, limits the undesirable clutches of eggs and therefore makes it easier to maintain the egg laying device.

[0192] Tests have shown that the flies from the same batch mate and lay eggs substantially simultaneously, which improves the productivity.

[0193] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which are described and illustrated and which are provided only for illustrative purposes. In particular, the BSF fly is the fly which is preferentially involved in the invention, but the invention is not limited to this fly.

[0194] The form and number of laying nests, the form of the support used to fixedly join the laying nest to the cage, the number and form of the egg laying apertures are not limiting.