Fig. 2
The self-marking unit adapted from Niebylski and Meek [27]. Left panel: 3D model of the marking unit indicating the key components. A—an exit trap used previously for hut trials as a window trap [31]. A slit in the netting allows mosquitoes to pass through in one direction thus collecting the mosquitoes after they have passed through the marking unit. The exit traps were only used when marked mosquitoes need to be retained as in the semi-field experiments, B—cloth impregnated with fluorescent pigment, C—black cloth side panels attached to the frame with Velcro, D—detachable marking grid from which the impregnated cloth hangs. It can be removed without tools and replaced with another grid containing a new colour, E—frame to hold the marking grid made from 2 × 2 cm2 metal tubing. Right panel: side view of the unit to show the frames’ internal lip on which the marking grid sits. The path of an emerging mosquito is shown passing through the marking grid and picking up fluorescent pigments