Insecticide resistance assay

The present invention relates to methods of testing insects for resistance to pesticides, and in particular to rapid bioassay methods for testing insect resistance to (Bt), spinosyns (e.g., spinosad), and pyrethroid insecticides. The present invention further relates to assays for the identification of insect species based on resistance or susceptibility to insecticides, and in particular to a method of distinguishing larvae of and . The present invention further relates to methods of screening compounds for insecticidal activity. The present invention further relates to dehydrated insect meal pads and containers for carrying out the inventive methods. Methods of assaying insects for pesticide resistance and to identify insect species are based on feeding disruption caused by insecticide such as the biopesticide toxin (Bt). Further provided are methods for monitoring insecticide resistance in a population of insects, as well as methods of screening compounds for insecticidal activity. Insecticide resistance can be assessed at the level of an individual insect or at population levels. Apparatus and dehydrated insect meal pads useful in such assays are described.