Abstract
Trees host a large share of the global arthropod diversity. Several methodologies have been described to sample arthropods from trees, ranging from active sampling techniques (e.g., visual searching, beating, or shaking the branches) to passive sampling devices. The majority of these collection techniques are destructive, and do not specifically target the tree trunk arthropod fauna. Here, we describe an alternative sampling method called trunk refugia (TR). TR are cylindrical shelters made of corrugated cardboard that can be secured to trees using string, and can remain exposed for varying time periods. These refugia are inexpensive, easy to use, and suitable to monitor a diverse array of insects and arachnids. Moreover, TR are nonlethal sampling tools, and allow collecting live individuals for behavioral studies or for rearing.
Highlights
Trees host a large share of the global arthropod diversity
We showed how trunk refugia (TR) can be used to collect several arthropod orders, some of which were obtained in large numbers
Our test of TR modifications showed that spiders were relatively more abundant in the narrow traps, and these were used in the pomegranate orchard and native trees studies, which focused mainly on arachnids
Summary
Several methodologies have been described to sample arthropods from trees, ranging from active sampling techniques (e.g., visual searching, beating, or shaking the branches) to passive sampling devices. The majority of these collection techniques are destructive, and do not target the tree trunk arthropod fauna. We describe an alternative sampling method called trunk refugia (TR).TR are cylindrical shelters made of corrugated cardboard that can be secured to trees using string, and can remain exposed for varying time periods These refugia are inexpensive, easy to use, and suitable to monitor a diverse array of insects and arachnids.
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