Abstract
The evaluation of extraction efficiency of the widely employed sampling methods for the extraction of ground-dwelling Coleoptera indicate that pitfall traps tend to overestimate large Coleoptera whereas the quadrate extraction methods (Berlese and Winkler extraction methods) entrap small ones. In a quest for the most effective sampling method for ground dwelling Coleoptera in a tropical montane evergreen forest in the Western Ghats, the efficiency of pitfall trap, Berlese and Winkler extraction methods were evaluated. Results showed that pitfall trap addressed the active beetles groups (Carabidae, Chrysomelidae, Leiodidae, Ptiliidae, Scydmaenidae and Staphylinidae) while quadrate extraction methods captured more of the beetles associated with moisture and sheltered areas (Curculionidae, Histeridae, Hydraenidae and Latridiidae). When cost and time constraints limit the sampling, the Berlese extraction method is the best single quantitative sampling method and pitfall trap is ideal for qualitative estimates. When thoroughness at the cost of time and labour costs is permissible, a combination of pitfall trap with Berlese extraction enables an effective qualitative and quantitative estimation, and better faunal inventory studies. Also, a combination of Berlese method followed by floatation extraction towards the under-sampled families will enable cost effective and comprehensive sampling.
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