EP4658067A1

EP4658067A1 - A method and system for raising and harvesting orthoptera

Info

Publication number: EP4658067A1
Application number: EP24704891.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel BALDERSON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-02-01
Filing date: 2024-02-01
Publication date: 2025-12-10
Also published as: WO2024161143A1; GB202301433D0; GB2637672A

Abstract

A system for rearing and harvesting orthoptera comprises an enclosure (1) in which the orthoptera are confined during rearing; a habitat structure (8) lying within the enclosure (1) for the orthoptera to live within; a portion of the enclosure (1) providing a collection region (14) sited directly underneath the habitat structure (8) to collect orthoptera and/or frass that have fallen out of the habitat structure (8); and the enclosure (1) provides mean to access the collection region (14) to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure (1). A method for raising and harvesting crickets comprises locating eggs and/or nymphs of orthoptera insects into an enclosure (1) in which the orthoptera are to be confined; the enclosure (1) housing a habitat structure (8) for the orthoptera to inhabit, and providing a collection region (14) sited directly underneath the habitat structure (8) for collecting frass and/or crickets that have fallen out of the habitat structure (8); the method comprising, when the orthoptera are ready to be harvested, killing or otherwise rending the orthoptera incapacitated such that they fall into the collecting region (14); and removing the orthoptera that have fallen into the collecting region (14) from the enclosure (1).

Description

A Method and System for Raising and Harvesting Orthoptera

The present invention relates to a method and system for raising and harvesting orthoptera, specifically, but not exclusively, crickets.

There is increasing consumer interest in Western Markets for edible insects. This has been driven, in part, by the development of processed insect food forms such as powders and flours that are unrecognisable from the insects from which they are produced. Consequently, there is a drive to improve the efficiency of farming, production and processing of insects for human consumption.

Insects in the order of orthoptera, for example crickets, grasshoppers and locusts, are one of the most popular order of insects eaten worldwide.

Presently, orthoptera are farmed by housing the insects in an open container having smooth inner walls which prevent the nymphs climbing out. A habitat is provided, through provision of cardboard sheets, e.g. egg cartons, in the container. Once the nymphs have reached a harvestable size, the habitat is shaken within the container to remove the crickets, and replaced with a new, clean, habitat. The new habitat is left in the container until some of the insects have climbed back inside it, whereupon the new habitat, with insects, is removed from the container and shaken over a separate collection box. The habitat is then returned to the container and left until more of the insects have climbed back in. This process is repeated until all of the insects have been removed from the container. The insects in the collection box are then euthanised and processed depending on the nature of the end product. The harvesting process is traditionally carried out by hand. Larger scale manufactures have sought to automate the process though the method remains similar. The frass is then removed from the container. The frass is also a valuable product, sold most commonly as fertiliser.

US2022/354085 describes an automated system for harvesting insects using a methodology akin to that described above.

KR20180042105 A describes a variant housing system in which a side of the container is shorter than the others to allow for ready inspection and access to the nymphs inside the container.

US5351643 relates to a rearing system designed specifically for insects that go through a pupal stage, specifically lepidopterous insects. The system comprises a larval space 3 that sits on top of a frass sheet or pan. Once the larval have pupated, the larval space is lifted off the frass sheet or pan and inverted and covered by an emergence pan. The frass sheet or pan can then be cleaned for the next brood. The larvae stage is around eleven days, a relatively short time, so the frass sheet or pan need only be cleaned once the larvae are ready to be harvested.

ESI 113930 relates to a unit for breeding and fattening of snails. It includes two vertically stacked enclosures each for confining snails. A ‘bandejas’ 10, for collecting snail droppings from snails within the upper enclosure, is sited between the upper and lower enclosure out of access of the snails within either enclosure.

The present invention was conceived to improve the efficiency of farming orthoptera insects, specifically, but not exclusively crickets.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for rearing and harvesting orthoptera, the system comprising: an enclosure in which the orthoptera are confined during rearing; a habitat structure lying within the enclosure that provide a habitat, e.g. including a plurality of substantially vertically extending channels, for the orthoptera to live within; a portion of the enclosure providing a collection region sited directly underneath the habitat, (optionally channels of the habitat structure and in communication with each of the channels) for collecting orthoptera and/or frass that have fallen out of the habitat (e.g. channels); and the enclosure provides means to access the collection region to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure, whilst the habitat structure remains in situ.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for rearing and harvesting orthoptera, the system comprising: an enclosure in which the orthoptera are confined during rearing; a habitat structure lying within the enclosure for the orthoptera to live within; a portion of the enclosure providing a collection region sited directly underneath the habitat structure for collecting orthoptera and/or frass that have fallen out of the habitat structure; and the enclosure provides means to access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure.

This arrangement provides a number of benefits:

1) It simplifies the removal of frass, particularly when frass is to be removed whilst the orthoptera still occupy the enclosure. This is important for raising many species of orthoptera which usually take many weeks to reach a harvesting size; c.f. lepidopterous insects US5351643. 2) It allows for habitat structures of sizes that are larger than can be easily lifted by one person as the frass can be removed without moving the habitat.

3) It facilitates a novel method of harvesting the insects in which they are killed or otherwise incapacitated within the enclosure causing them to fall into the collecting region and thence removed from the enclosure.

The following applies to either aspect of invention.

The enclosure may comprise an opening to access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure. The opening may be provided in a side wall of the enclosure. The opening may be sited below the habitat structure. The system may comprise a moveable barrier serving to selectively close the opening. The barrier may comprise a panel or door that is mounted to the enclosure for rotatable or slidable movement relative to the enclosure. The panel or door may be mounted to the side wall of the enclosure.

In one arrangement the barrier may comprise a hatch door, which may comprise, for example, a hinged or sliding door, or an access panel releasably attachable to the enclosure.

Alternatively, the portion of the enclosure that provides the collection region may be formed as a separate piece from another portion of the enclosure that houses the habitat structure. Where so, the system may comprise means to allow the portion of the enclosure that provides the collection region to be moved, e.g. slid, away from the other portion that houses the habitat structure.

The system may comprise an open topped container sited in the collection region to collect the frass and/or orthoptera that have fallen out from the habitat structure. Where the enclosure comprises the opening, the container and the opening may be configured to allow the container to pass in and out of the enclosure through the opening. In a variant to the barrier described above, the container may provide the barrier. For example, the container may be a drawer adapted to slide in and out of the enclosure.

The enclosure may comprise multiple opening to access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure. The system may comprise multiple moveable barriers each serving to selectively close a different one of the openings. Where so, the system may comprise multiple open topped containers sited side-by-side in the collection region to collect firass and/or orthoptera that have fallen out from a different region of the habitat structure. Each container may be sited directly adjacent a different opening such that each opening allows for removal and insertion of a different one of the containers from the collection region. Where the enclosures are of substantial size, arrangement allows for provision of containers of reduced size and weight to facilitate maintenance of the system by a single person.

The habitat may provide a plurality of substantially vertically extending channels, and the portion of the enclosure providing the collection region is sited directly underneath the channels and in communication with each of the channels to collect orthoptera and/or firass that have fallen out of the channels of the habitat structure.

The vertical channels allow frass and insects within the channels to fall down out of the channel and habitat structure into the collecting region. To minimise clogging, the channels are favourably vertical about their entire length. Nevertheless, and albeit less favourably, traditional habitat structures such as egg cartons, could be used instead.

Favourably the channels also have a substantially constant width about their length. This provides an arrangement with the greatest packing density and the largest vertical surface area which is most favoured by many species of cricket.

The preferred width of the channels will depend on the size of the insects being reared. Favourably it is wide enough to allow for two insects to position themselves back to back on opposite facing sides of the channel. Additional space may be provided to allow insects to climb over one another to access the diet. For the species Acheta domesticus. for example, a minimum channel width is 5mm with a width between 13mm and 28mm preferred. In certain embodiments a width around 13 mm is preferred as this provides the greatest space efficacy.

Providing a habitat with spacing of 13mm can be relatively expensive to manufacture compared with habitats with slightly larger spacing, e.g. 20mm, which can be manufactured cheaply as off-the-shelf components to manufacture habitats with this channel size can be readily sourced. Although spacing above 28mm can be used, the volume of the habitat is used very inefficiently.

The system may comprise climbing means that provides a path for live orthoptera (e.g. crickets) that have falling into the container to climb up into the habitat structure, e.g. channels.

The enclosure may define a space located above the habitat region for holding diet for the crickets. As such, the habitat structure may be set down from the top edge of the enclosure to provide this.

The enclosure may comprise an upper opening to access the inside of the enclosure from above the habitat structure, e.g. to access the diet and/or to introduce the insects into the enclosure.

The system may comprise a releasably attachable lid configured to be mounted onto the enclosure over the upper opening. The lid is important where it is necessary to maintain a different temperature and/or humidity within the enclosure to that outside the enclosure. In one embodiment the lid may be comprised of two parts that can be opened independently, e.g. through a gull wing door mechanism, to allow access from either side of the enclosure. Depending on the environmental conditions in which the enclosure is to be housed, one or more walls and base of the enclosure, and optionally also the lid, may be comprised from a thermal insulating material, e.g. provided by an expanded foam, or a loose fill insulation material such as one or more of cellulose, fiberglass, wool, and mineral (rock or slag) wool; or foam insulation board, e.g. comprising polyisocyanurate (PIR), and expanded polystyrene (EPS). One or more walls of the enclosure may be comprised from a first layer of thermal insulating material and a second layer, e.g. a protective and/or structural layer. The second layer may be comprised from a sheet material such as metal sheet and/or engineering plastic

The system may include a heater configured to heat the inside of the enclosure. The heater may include a heating element positioned below the habitat structure. Favourably the heating element is positioned to preferentially dry firass within the collection region. Most favourably the heater is located under the container, e.g. tray, arranged to collect the firass. The heater may comprise one or more heating elements.

The system may include a heating control system configured to operate the heater to control the temperature within the cavity. The control system may be adapted to selectively maintain the temperature within the cavity with a range sustainable (favourably) hospitable for life of the orthoptera within it, e.g. between 28°C -32°C, or heat the cavity to a temperature, e.g. equal or above 45° C, that is unsustainable to orthoptera life. Although 45° C is effective, a higher temperature is preferred to reduce the time required to kill the orthoptera. Favourably the cavity is heated to a temperature equal or above 75° C to additionally kill any pathogens on the orthoptera and within the cavity.

Where heating is used to bring about death, the provision of an insulated enclosure is favourable to minimise the energy required (and wattage rating of heater needed) to heat the enclosure to the required temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for raising and harvesting orthoptera, the method comprising: locating eggs and/or nymphs of orthoptera insects into an enclosure in which the orthoptera are to be confined; and once the orthoptera are ready to be harvested: heating the enclosure to a temperature that is non sustainable for the orthoptera life to kill the orthoptera.

The enclosure may be heated to 45 °C more favourably to 75°C for a period sufficient to kill the orthoptera

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure l is a perspective side view of apparatus for rearing orthoptera nymphs showing the heating and control system schematically;

Figure 2 a perspective side view of the housing with the near side cut away to show the interior;

Figure 3 is a top view of the housing looking down into the cavity;

Figure 4 is a side view of one end of the housing;

Figure 5 is the side view of Fig 4 with panel removed to reveal the collection tray within the collection region;

Figure 6 is the side view of Fig 4 with whole of side wall cut away;

Figure 7 are flow diagrams illustrating the process of rearing and harvesting orthoptera insects;

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are top views of the housing with variant designs of habitat structure; Figure 9 is a side view of a variant apparatus design in which the panels are oriented with the cavity in manner illustrated in Fig 8A and comprising upper and lower collection trays for collecting frass and orthoptera respectively; and

Figure 10 is a perspective side view of a further embodiment of the housing, showing the near side of the housing cut away to show the interior.

With reference Figures 1-6 there is shown a system for raising and harvesting orthoptera such as crickets, locusts and grass hoppers. Examples of species the system is suitable for include, one or more of: Brachytrupes membranaceus, Gryllus similis, Gryllus bimaculatus, Gryllotalpa orientalis, Gryllodes Sigillatus and Acheta domesticus.

The system comprises a housing 1 comprising one or more side walls 2 (in this example four) and a base wall 3 that between them define a cavity 4. The top of the housing 1 is open to allow for access into the cavity 4 from above. The housing 1 further comprises a lid member 5 (see Figs 3-5) adapted to be seated on the top of the side walls 2 to wholly occlude the open top of the housing 1.

Each of the side walls 2, base wall 3 and lid member 5 comprise one or more structural layers 6, e.g. of sheet metal or rigid plastic, and a thermal insulating layer 7. The insulating layer may be comprised from an expanded foam spray, a loose fill insulation material, e.g. a rock-based mineral fibre or wool, or insulation board such as polyisocyanurate (PIR).

In this example, the housing 1 has outer dimensions of around 2m x Im x Im. These dimensions are not to be taken as limiting.

Situated wholly within the cavity 4 is a habitat structure 8 adapted to provide a habitat favourable to the orthoptera nymphs. The habitat structure 8 comprises a plurality of panels 9. Each panel 9 extends across the cavity 4 between opposite sides 2 of the housing 1. The panels 9 are arranged parallel and spaced apart to define between them a plurality of open ended straight vertical channels 10 (see Fig 2). The faces 9A of the panels 9 provide habitat surfaces for the orthoptera nymphs within the channel 10.

The preferred separation between the opposing faces 9A of adjacent panels 9, equating to the channel width x will depend on the expected size of the orthoptera species being reared at the anticipated time they are to be harvested. Width x remains constant along the length of the channel 10. Ideally x is great enough to allow orthoptera to stand directly back-to-back within a channel 10 on opposing faces 9A of adjacent panels 9. Additional space may be provided to allow for air circulation and/or for the insects to climb over one another to help ensure all insects can access diet sited above the habitat 8. For Acheta domesticus, a minimum value for X is 5mm, which is the approximate height of one late stage nymph. A preferred value for Acheta Domesticus is around 13mm which provides space for two late stage nymphs to stand back-to-back within the channel 10 with space in between to allow for air circulation.

The weight of the panels 9 are supported by one or more support beams 11 extending under the panels 9. Additionally, each panel 9 may be supported at its edges to the side walls 2 by clamps and/or fasteners 12. It will be appreciated that there are various alternative ways in which the panels 9 may be supported, including, for example, they may be suspended on one or more beams 11 lying above the panels 9.

A portion 4A of the cavity 4 extending above the panels 9 provides a space for one or more receptacles, e.g. trays (not shown), for holding diet for the orthoptera. The receptacles may be seated directly on top of the panels 9.

The portion of the cavity 4 extending directly below the panels 9 provides a collecting region 13 for frass, and additionally for the insects during harvest. Seated on the base wall 3 inside the collecting region 13 directly under the channels 10 is a collection tray 14 (or equivalent receptacle). The bottom end of each channel 10 opens directly into the collecting region 13 so that any frass produced by the orthoptera within the channels 10 falls under gravity into the collection tray 14. Similarly, the arrangement allows for any insects that fall from the channels 10 under gravity to drop into the tray 14.

To enable any live insects that have fallen into the collecting region 13 to escape back into the habitat 8, one or more lines 18, e.g. of string, rope, cord, or cable or the like, are suspended from the habitat 8 or beams 11 so that they hang down into the tray 14.

Provided in one of the side walls 2 at a position below the panels 9, specifically at the same height of the tray 14, is an aperture 15 that opens directly into the collecting region 13. The aperture 15 provides direct access to the collecting region 13 and tray 14 from beneath the panels 9 without the need to move them. The aperture 15 is sufficiently large to allow the tray 14 to pass through it in and out of the housing 1.

When not in use the aperture is closed off by a panel 16 that is releasably attached to the side wall 2 of the housing, e.g. through an interference fit or by one or more fasteners. The construction of the panel 16 is similar to that of the side walls 2 to minimise heat loss through the aperture 15.

The system further includes heating and control apparatus 20, shown schematically in Fig 1, comprising a first heater 21, e.g. comprising a first electric heating element; a second heater 22, e.g. comprising a second electric heating element; and a thermostat 23.

Each of the first and second heaters 21, 22 are arranged to heat the cavity 4. The heaters 21, 22 is positioned under the tray 14, either mounted to the base or the tray 14 to preferentially heat the tray 14 and any frass within it. It is preferred that the first heater 21 sits under the tray 14, howeverit may instead be placed within the tray 14 or between the tray 14 and the habitat structure 8. The second heater 22 may also sit under the tray 14 or may be located elsewhere within the cavity 4, e.g. within the tray 14, between the tray 14 and habitat structure 8, between the side walls 2 and the habitat 8, or above the habitat 8.

The thermostat 23 comprises an input receiving means 23A, e.g. comprising a user interface and/or a wireless receiver (e.g. if operable remotely), to receive target temperature information, and one or more sensors 23B to sense the temperature within the cavity 4. Using the output from the one or more sensors 23B, the thermostat 23 is configured to operate the first and/or second heaters 21, 22 to maintain the temperature within the cavity 4 within predetermined range(s) based on the received target temperature value information.

Rearing and Harvesting

An example process for rearing and harvesting orthoptera is described below with reference to Fig 7.

Rearing a) Young nymphs and/or eggs are placed inside the cavity 4 (100); typically through the top opening after removing the lid 5. If nymphs are introduced, they may be placed directly into the habitat 8. If eggs are introduced, plates carrying the eggs may be rested on top of the habitat 8. The plates may be removed once the eggs have hatched. Diet is provided. b) The thermostat is configured to operate the first heater to maintain the temperature within the cavity 4 within a range conducive to the insect’s wellbeing. Depending on the species, this will typically be in the range 28 °C - 32°C (101), though may be farmed outside this range depending on desired rearing rate, environmental temperatures and energy use requirements. c) One or more times during rearing, frass is removed from the collecting region 13 (102). The panel 16 is opened and the tray 14 removed from the housing 1, through the aperture 15. The frass is removed from the tray 14 and the emptied tray 14 (or a new tray) reinserted back into the collecting region 13 through the aperture 15. The panel 16 is replaced to close the aperture 15. Frass removal during rearing may not be required if the rearing period is short.

Once the insects have reached a desired sized and/or weight, they are harvested.

Harvesting a) The frass is removed from the collection region 13 (103). The panel 16 is opened and the tray 14 removed from the housing 1 through the aperture 15. The frass is removed from the tray 14 and the emptied tray 14 (or a new tray) reinserted back into the collecting region 13 through the aperture 15. The panel 16 is replaced to close the aperture 15. b) The thermostat is set to operate the first and second heaters 21 22 to increase the temperature within the cavity to kills all the orthoptera within the cavity 4

(104). In initial experiments, heating to a temperature of 45°C for a period of around 45 minutes was sufficient. Heating to 50 °C killed all the orthoptera within 6 minutes. Nevertheless a higher temperature of around 75 °C is preferred to eliminate any pathogens within the cavity 4. The dead insects fall under gravity through the channels 10 out of the habitat 8 and into the tray 14

(105). c) The panel 16 is removed and the tray 14 holding the dead insects removed from the enclosure 1 through the aperture (106).

Once the inside of the housing 1 is sufficiently cool, it may be repopulated with a new batch of eggs and/or nymphs for rearing. Figures 8A - 8D are top views illustrating alternative designs for the habitat structure 8 to provide vertical channels 10.

In the habitat of Fig 8 A, the panels 9 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to those of Figure 3. The habitat of Fig 8B comprises a grid of two series of regularly spaced sheets crossing one another at right angles to provide channels with a square cross-section. The habitat of Fig 8C illustrates a plurality of closely packed cylinders providing channels 10 with circular cross section. The habitat of Figure 8D is of a honeycomb form defining channels with hexagonal cross section. Each of the variant structures provide vertical channels that are substantially straight along their length and with a substantially constant width along their length.

Figure 9 is a side view similar to Figs 4-6 of a variant system design in which the panels are oriented in the manner illustrated in Fig 8A. The system additionally comprises two collecting receptacles (trays) 14A 14B within the collecting region 13. The trays 14A 14B are arranged one directly above the other. The upper tray 14A is supported by supports 17, e.g. rails, that project from inside faces of the side walls 2. As a result of the upper tray’s 14A position, frass falls preferentially into the upper tray 14A. During harvesting, the upper tray 14A is removed, leaving the lower tray 14B in place ready to collect the crickets. The cavity 14 is then heated and the dead insects fall into the lower tray 14B. This arrangement removes the need to clean a tray of frass before harvesting. Note that the two receptacle arrangement could be used in conjunction with any of the habitat structures 8 described above. In a variant method using the two receptacle arrangement, the upper tray 14A is only inserted into the enclosure at harvest time to collect the crickets. The lower 14B remains in position during rearing for frass collection.

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the system to illustrate further possible variations in structure. It will be appreciated that each of the variant features of the system of Fig 10 need not be present in combination with the others. The system comprises a variant habitat structure 8’ comprises parallel beams 11’. From each beam 11 ’ is suspended a plurality of elongate strips 9’of flexible sheet material, for example a textile, such as, but not limited to, rip-stop nylon. Each strip 9’ is suspended from a central point such that its two free ends hang downwards below the beam 11. The faces of the strips 9’ provides the habitat surfaces for the orthoptera nymphs within channels 10 formed between the strips 9’ on adjacent rails.

Seated on the base wall 3 inside the collecting region 13 directly under habitat 8 are multiple collection trays 14 (or equivalent receptacle) arranged side-by-side. so that any frass produced by the orthoptera within the habitat 8 falls under gravity into one of the collection trays 14. Similarly, the arrangement allows for any insects that fall from the habitat 8 under gravity to drop into one of the trays 14.

Provided in one of the side walls 2 at a position below the habitat 8, specifically at the same height of the trays 14, are multiple apertures (not shown) that each open directly into the collecting region 13. Each aperture provides direct access to one of the trays 14 from beneath the habitat 8 without the need to move it. Each aperture is sized to allow a tray 14 to be passed through it in and out of the housing 1.

When not in use, each aperture is closed off by a panel (not shown) that is releasably attached to the side wall 2 of the housing, e.g. through an interference fit or by one or more fasteners. The construction of each panel may be similar to that of the side walls 2 to minimise heat loss through the aperture 15.

The following describe possible variation to the afore mentioned examples.

The panel 16 may be replaced by other barrier means, such as a hinged or sliding door.

The first and second heaters may be operated simultaneously to maintain a habitable temperature for the insects. Depending on the power of the first heater, the size of the cavity 14 and degree of thermal insulation, both heating functions may be achieved with a single eater.

The collection tray 14 is preferred as it provides for convenient removal of firass and/or orthoptera from the collecting region 13, however it is not strictly essential.

In an alternative embodiment the lower part of the housing holding the collecting region may be formed as a separate piece to that housing the habitat structure. The apparatus would also comprise a support structure, e.g. a frame, that would support the upper housing including habitat in place, whilst the lower housing portion including the collecting region was separated, e.g. slid away or lower away from the upper portion.

The use of heating to kill the insects is preferred as the system already includes a heater to maintain a habitable temperature within the cavity during rearing. Nevertheless, alternative methods may be used to kill or stun the insects within the cavity so that they fall into the collecting region, for example, freezing, passing a fast flowing fluid through the channels, vibrating the habitat, or introduction into the cavity of a substance toxic to the insects.

Although preferred, the width x may not remain constant about the channel’s length.

The system may further comprise a means for circulating air through the cavity 4. For example, the system may comprise a fan configured to draw air through a port through the enclosure, e.g. to reduce the temperature within the cavity.

Provide an unobstructed pathway from the top to the bottom of the habitat to enable frass and dead insects to fall out of the habit under gravity as they occur rather than collecting within the habitat, thus minimising the need to clean the habitat. At the same time it is also desirous to maximise the surface area for a given habitat volume to accommodate as many insects as possible. Each of the afore described examples achieve this with structures that define substantially vertical channels that extend from the top to the bottom of the habitat. Nevertheless, the invention is still applicable to habitat structures that have less defined channel structures, including, for example, habitats provided at least in part by the irregular arrangement of narrow hanging strips of textile, or an regular or irregular array of vertical (or otherwise) hanging cords, ropes, tassels or the like.

Claims

1. A system for rearing and harvesting orthoptera, the system comprising: an enclosure in which the orthoptera are confined during rearing; a habitat structure lying within the enclosure for the orthoptera to live within; a portion of the enclosure providing a collection region sited directly underneath the habitat structure to collect orthoptera and/or firass that have fallen out of the habitat structure; and the enclosure provides mean to access the collection region to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure whilst the habitat structure remains in situ.

2. A system for rearing and harvesting orthoptera, the system comprising: an enclosure in which the orthoptera are confined during rearing; a habitat structure lying within the enclosure for the orthoptera to live within; a portion of the enclosure providing a collection region sited directly underneath the habitat for collecting orthoptera and/or frass that have fallen out of the habitat structure; and the enclosure provides means to access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the enclosure comprises an opening providing access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the enclosure comprises one or more side walls and the opening is provided in the one or more side walls below the habitat structure.

5. A system according to claim 3 or 4 comprising an open topped container sited in the collection region to collect the frass and/or orthoptera that have fallen down from the habitat structure; the container and opening configured to allow the container to pass in and out of the enclosure through the opening.

6. A system according to any previous claim comprising climbing means that provides a path for live orthoptera that have falling into the container to climb up into the habitat structure.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the climbing means comprises a flexible elongate member arranged to hang from the habitat structure into the collection region.

8. A system according to any previous claim wherein the enclosure comprises a region above the habitat structure for holding diet for the orthoptera living within the enclosure.

9. A system according to any previous claim wherein the enclosure comprising an upper opening to access the inside of the enclosure from above the habitat structure

10. A system according to claim 9 comprising a releasably attachable lid member adapted for mounting onto the enclosure to entirely occlude the upper opening.

11. A system according to any previous claim comprising a heater to heat the cavity.

12. A system according to any previous claim wherein the habitat provides a plurality of substantially vertically extending channels, and the portion of the enclosure providing the collection region is sited directly underneath the channels and in communication with each of the channels to collect orthoptera and/or firass that have fallen out of the channels of the habitat structure.

13. A method for raising and harvesting crickets, the method comprising: locating eggs and/or nymphs of orthoptera insects into an enclosure in which the orthoptera are to be confined; the enclosure: housing a habitat structure for the orthoptera to inhabit, and providing a collection region sited directly underneath the habitat structure for collecting frass and/or crickets that have fallen out of the habitat structure; the method comprising, when the orthoptera are ready to be harvested: killing or otherwise rending the orthoptera incapacitated such that they fall into the collecting region; and removing the orthoptera that have fallen into the collecting region from the enclosure.

14. A method according to claim 13 further comprising: before killing or otherwise rending the orthoptera, removing firass from the enclosure that has collected within the collection region.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14 wherein: the enclosure provides mean to access the collection region to remove the frass and/or orthoptera from the enclosure whilst the habitat structure remains in situ, and said means is used to access and remove the orthoptera, and when applicable frass, from the enclosure.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the enclosure comprises an opening providing access the collection region from beneath the habitat structure, and wherein the orthoptera within the collection region are removed from the enclosure through the opening.

17. A method according to any claim 13-16 wherein the orthoptera fall into an open topped container sited in the collection region, and the open topped container holding the orthoptera is removed from the enclosure.

18. A method according to any claim 13-17 wherein killing or otherwise rending the orthoptera incapacitated such that they fall into the collecting region, comprises heating the enclosure.

19. A method according to claim 18 comprising heating the enclosure to a temperature equal or in excess of 45°C.

20. A method according to claim 19 comprising, before harvesting, using the heater to maintain a temperature within the enclosure that is sustainable for the orthoptera.

21. A method for raising and harvesting orthoptera, the method comprising: locating eggs and/or nymphs of orthoptera insects into an enclosure in which the orthoptera are to be confined; and once the orthoptera are ready to be harvested: heating the enclosure to a temperature that is non sustainable for the orthoptera to kill the orthoptera.