High throughput insect behavior testing
EntoLab
Looking for a tool to speed up insect behavior tracking or plant interaction screening? EntoLab is a great system for automated screening of insect behavior.
Efficient Save 90% in time and costs
Throughput Run up to 300 trials simultaneously
Integrated Software and hardware work seamlessly
How does
EntoLab work?
Setup
EntoLab is used for many applications. Therefore, the observation chamber has a flexible design allowing for the integration of a variety of assay plates. Either observe the animals alone in an arena or place plant material between them to test interaction.
Record
After setting up your observation chamber you can start recording. EntoLab uses EthoVision to control and track your experiment. EthoVision can process a single video file or a batch of files originating from multiple chambers, all fully automated.
Analyze
Track files from EthoVision are imported into EthoAnalysis, a specialized software package developed for the analysis of insect behavior. The software can segment your data after which you can perform analysis to compute a variety of behaviors.
Get EntoLab for your lab
The EntoLab setup is a convenient benchtop system that will enrich your screening facility. With its integrated software you have an all-in-one solution for screening insect behavior.
EntoLab + EthoVision + EthoAnalysis
Fully integrated system
High-resolution camera with lighting setup for optimal tracking
Perfect for multi-day testing
Build your complete solution
Hardware
EntoLab includes a complete hardware setup. Contact us for options that best fit your research protocol.
NoldusCare
Add an additional year of NoldusCare to keep your software performing at its best. Includes the latest features, ongoing technical support, and access to the Noldus Academy.
Remote training
Ensure a strong start with our remote training sessions. Led by experienced Noldus trainers, these sessions help you get up to speed quickly.
Hardware Options
EntoLab Hardware
Complete EntoLab hardware setup including arena, camera, and illumination for insect behavioral research.
NoldusCare Extensions
NoldusCare EntoLab
1 additional year of NoldusCare for EntoLab. Includes updates, support, and Noldus Academy access.
Training Packages
EntoLab Training (Remote)
Remote training session covering EntoLab setup, data acquisition, and analysis workflows.
Applications of EntoLab
What can I use EntoLab for?
EntoLab makes it easy to quantify insect behavior at a large scale. Run standardized assays for preference, feeding, attraction, and stress responses, and turn complex insect–environment interactions into fast, reliable data you can trust.
Plant breeding
Screen plant genotypes for insect resistance by tracking pest behavior and surface preferences. Quantify treatment effects on plant–insect interactions to identify traits that deter pests and support selection of more resilient varieties.
Beneficial insects
Phenotype beneficial insects to evaluate tolerance to heat, cold, humidity, and drought. Add memory retention assays and quality control to ensure mass-reared insects perform reliably in biological control programs.
Insecticide testing
Assess feeding preference, anti-feeding responses, and tolerance development in insect populations. Compare modes of action such as stomach and contact toxicity, fumigants, and repellents using two-choice or multiple-choice assays.
Behavioral ecology
Test attraction or repellence to compounds using olfaction assays such as headspace testing. Combine associative learning experiments with genetic analysis to link behavioral traits to specific genotypes.
More about insect research
Learn more about insect behavioral study
What does insect screening look like?
Tracking in EntoLab
Curious to see what tracking in an EntoLab chamber looks like? In this short video you can explore an example of a 2-choice test in aphids.
Replacing rodents with insects
Forced swim test in flies
In this blog we delve into the use of flies as a new perspective for behavioral testing. How do they compare to rodents? And can conventional rodent tests be adapted to insects?
Frequently asked questions
about EntoLab
EntoLab uses standardized multi-arena assay plates and a fixed camera/lighting geometry inside a compact observation chamber, so you can run many identical trials and compare treatments or genotypes consistently.
Light in the Observations Chamber can be controlled and optimized for your experiment. EntoLab doesn't have dedicated sensors or controllers for humidity and temperature, but we are happy to help you find a solution.
No. EntoLab is designed to test insects in 2D assay plates. If you need to test flying animals in 3D, we do sell configuration for EthoVision in combination with a wind tunnel for reliable tracking in 3 dimensions.
EntoLab quantifies insect choice and movement in standardized arenas. You can measure preference (which option is chosen), time spent in each zone, activity versus inactivity, movement bouts, and basic movement statistics like distance and speed.
Want more info?
Book a demo!
Does this solution sound interesting to you? But do you want more info before making a final decision? Feel free to book a demo with us! We're happy to help you make a choice that fits your needs.