Intercept Trap Research Articles

Arboreal arthropod sampling methods for urban trees

Large, isolated trees are a prominent part of town planning, and the nature of the urban environment poses unique challenges in sampling the arthropod assemblages found on them. As part of a larger study on the role of these trees in supporting wider biodiversity, we undertook a trial of arthropod sampling methods to compare the relative impact of sampling method versus the species of tree sampled. Using four species of study trees, three sampling methods were trialed: an inverted cone based bole trap, a compact flight intercept trap, and branch bagging and clipping. Total arthropod abundance, richness, and diversity were modeled using generalised linear mixed models, which showed that in many cases the variation between sampling method was larger than that found between tree species. All three of the sampling methods proved to be practical in the field, and overcame the challenges faced in sampling urban trees, thereby providing the opportunity for more detailed study. Our findings also highlight the case for a multifaceted approach to sampling arthropods if a complete picture of the community assemblage is to be gained.

비행간섭트랩에 포획된 속리산국립공원내의 송장벌레류 종구성 및 풍부도의 계절적 변동

곤충 군집의 변화는 서식지 환경의 변화를 파악할 수 있는 척도가 된다. 속리산국립공원에서 2003년부터 2007년까지 월별(4월-10월)로 Flight Interception Trap (FIT)을 이용하여 송장벌레류의 종 구성과 풍부도의 변화를 알아보기 위한 조사를 실시하였다. 그 결과, 6종 9,704개체가 조사되었는데, 이 중 넉점박이송장벌레(Nicrophorus quadripunctatus)가 8,763개체(90.3%)로 가장 높은 우점도를 보였다. 넉점박이송장벌레를 제외한 나머지 5종은 971개체(9.7%)에 불과하였다. 송장벌레 6종의 계절적 풍부도 변화에 따르면 7월과 8월이 최성기인 것으로 나타났다. 또한 연간 풍부도는 2004년 이후 점차 감소하는 경향을 보이고 있다. 장기간의 모니터링 결과, 환경지표종으로 활용이 가능한 송장벌레류의 종구성과 풍부도 변화는 속리산의 기후변화를 간접적으로 나타내고 있음을 시사한다. Changes in insect communities are one of the best indicators of environmental changes. A survey was conducted using the Flight Interception Trap (FIT) method to check the changes of species composition and abundance of silphids at Mt. Sokrisan National Park from April to October in 2003 to 2007. A total of 9,704 individuals of six silphid species were examined by FIT. Among them, Nicrophorus quadripunctatus was the most dominant species with 8,763 (90.3%) individuals. There were only 971 (9.7%) individuals of the other five species. The seasonal abundance of silphids peaked in July and August. The annual abundance has decreased gradually since 2004. Therefore, the changing patterns of species composition and abundance of silphids checked by long-term monitoring could be used as environmental indicators which indirectly show the environmental changes of Mt. Sokrisan National Park.

Assessment of vector/host contact: comparison of animal-baited traps and UV-light/suction trap for collecting Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), vectors of Orbiviruses.

BackgroundThe emergence and massive spread of bluetongue in Western Europe during 2006-2008 had disastrous consequences for sheep and cattle production and confirmed the ability of Palaearctic Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to transmit the virus. Some aspects of Culicoides ecology, especially host-seeking and feeding behaviors, remain insufficiently described due to the difficulty of collecting them directly on a bait animal, the most reliable method to evaluate biting rates.Our aim was to compare typical animal-baited traps (drop trap and direct aspiration) to both a new sticky cover trap and a UV-light/suction trap (the most commonly used method to collect Culicoides).Methods/resultsCollections were made from 1.45 hours before sunset to 1.45 hours after sunset in June/July 2009 at an experimental sheep farm (INRA, Nouzilly, Western France), with 3 replicates of a 4 sites × 4 traps randomized Latin square using one sheep per site. Collected Culicoides individuals were sorted morphologically to species, sex and physiological stages for females. Sibling species were identified using a molecular assay. A total of 534 Culicoides belonging to 17 species was collected. Abundance was maximal in the drop trap (232 females and 4 males from 10 species) whereas the diversity was the highest in the UV-light/suction trap (136 females and 5 males from 15 species). Significant between-trap differences abundance and parity rates were observed.ConclusionsOnly the direct aspiration collected exclusively host-seeking females, despite a concern that human manipulation may influence estimation of the biting rate. The sticky cover trap assessed accurately the biting rate of abundant species even if it might act as an interception trap. The drop trap collected the highest abundance of Culicoides and may have caught individuals not attracted by sheep but by its structure. Finally, abundances obtained using the UV-light/suction trap did not estimate accurately Culicoides biting rate.

Development of non-invasive monitoring methods for larvae and adults of the stag beetle, Lucanus cervus

The stag beetle, Lucanus cervus is Nationally Scarce in the UK, yet no methods exist for monitoring the abundance of adults or presence of the subterra- nean larvae. 2. Here, we describe the design of an aerial flight interception trap that can be used to catch adults. Various lures were tested and ginger root was found to attract both sexes in equal numbers. 3. Road transect surveys of adults killed by vehicles were found to produce reliable estimates of the total abundance of both sexes in areas up to about 12 km from the survey. 4. A novel use of radial diffusive samplers is described to infer the presence of lar- vae. Both larvae and adult females produce longifolene, which is highly attractive to males. 5. Larvae produce a characteristic stridulation pattern, which can be recorded and distinguished from sounds produced by other saproxylic beetles that may co-occur with L. cervus. 6. We conclude that aerial traps baited with ginger, combined with road transect surveys can be used to monitor population abundance of adults, while detection of longifolene and the characteristic stridulation pattern can be used to reveal larval presence, without destroying their fragile habitat.

An improved experimental hut design for the study of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) movement patterns in Thailand

An improved experimental hut design for the study of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) movement patterns in Thailand

Diversidade de Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) coletados com armadilha de interceptação de vôo no Refúgio Ecológico Charles Darwin, Igarassu-PE, Brasil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar riqueza, abundância, diversidade e equitabilidade das especies de Scarabaeinae em dois ambientes no Refugio Ecologico Charles Darwin (RECD), Pernambuco. As coletas foram realizadas com armadilha de interceptacao de voo entre os meses de Abril e Junho de 2007, totalizando seis coletas. Foram capturados 4576 escarabeineos, pertencentes a 35 especies, 15 generos e seis tribos. Sete novos registros de especies foram feitos para Pernambuco, passando de 26 para 33 especies. As tribos registradas foram Canthonini, Ateuchini, Coprini, Phanaeini, Eurystenini e Onthophagini. Os generos melhor representados foram: Dichotomius com 84,6% dos besouros coletados, seguido por Canthidium com 7,62% e Canthon com 2,48%. A especie Dichotomius aff.sericeus foi a mais abundante com 3889 individuos. Em todo o estudo foram verificadas 17 especies para a area aberta, sendo 11 restritas a esse ambiente, enquanto para mata foram registradas 24, sendo 18 especies restritas. Grande parte dos individuos capturados na mata foi da especie D. aff.sericeus, enquanto no ambiente aberto nenhum individuo desta especie foi coletado. Os estimadores indicaram uma estimativa maxima de riqueza de 21 especies para o ambiente aberto e 32 especies para o ambiente de mata. A curva de acumulacao de especies baseada em valores de riqueza observada media para os dois ambientes do RECD, nao apresentou tendencia a assintota.

Record of Carpophilus (Ecnomorphus) extensus Grouvelle from Europe with notes on synonymy (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

A specimen of Carpophilus extensus Grouvelle, 1908 has been collected in Northern Germany with a flight intercept trap. This is the fi rst record of this African species for Europe. The lectotype of this species is designated, and synonymy of C. (Ecnomorphus) trapezicollis Kirejtshuk, 1995 with C. extensus is established.

RED OAK BORER (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) FLIGHT TRAPPING IN THE OZARK NATIONAL FOREST, ARKANSAS

Abstract High population densities of red oak borer, Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman), are believed to be a major contributor to recent widespread oak mortality in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. The intent of this research was to expand our knowledge on specific aspects of this insect's biology, life history, and distribution by trapping flying adults in the Ozark National Forest during emergence of 2001, 2003, and 2005 cohorts. Passive flight intercept trap catches revealed that preferred flight height and thus optimal trap placement for monitoring populations was close to the base of the dominant/co-dominant northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., canopy. Flight periods and peak flight were different in 2001 and 2003. Emergence occurred a week earlier in 2001 vs. 2003. Peak flight occurred over a 3-week period from mid Jun to early Jul in 2001 in contrast to 2003 peak flight, which occurred the first week of Jul. Male to female ratios were 1.9:1 and 1.4:1 for 2001 and 2003, respectively. In 2003, sex ratios...

Comparison of Two Synthetic Food-Odor Lures for Captures of Feral Mexican Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mexico and Implications Regarding Use of Irradiated Flies to Assess Lure Efficacy

Feral Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), were trapped in a citrus orchard in Mexico by using two types of synthetic food-odor lures, the AFF lure (Anastrepha fruit fly lure, APTIV, Inc., Portland, OR) and the BioLure (two-component MFF lure, Suterra LLC, Inc., Bend, OR). In Multilure traps (Better World Manufacturing, Inc., Miami, FL) containing water, BioLures captured about the same numbers of flies as AFF lures. In Multilure traps containing antifreeze solution, BioLures captured 2 and 5 times more flies than AFF lures in two experiments. BioLures, and AFF lures did not differ in attractiveness when used on sticky traps (Intercept trap, APTIV, Inc.; and sticky cylinder trap). Multilure traps captured >4 times as many flies as sticky traps with the exception that captures of females did not differ between Multilure and sticky traps baited with AFF lures. The percentage of females captured in Multilure traps was greater when traps were baited with BioLures compared with AFF lures, but the reverse was true for sticky traps. Sticky cylinder traps captured a higher percentage of females than Multilure traps. The most effective trap/lure combination was the Multilure trap baited with BioLure and antifreeze. In comparison with tests of these two lures in Texas, results were similar for Multilure traps, but they differed for sticky cylinder traps in that AFF lures were consistently more attractive than BioLures in Texas, but not in Mexico.

Comparison of Two Synthetic Food-Odor Lures for Captures of Feral Mexican Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mexico and Implications Regarding Use of Irradiated Flies to Assess Lure Efficacy

Feral Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), were trapped in a citrus orchard in Mexico by using two types of synthetic food-odor lures, the AFF lure (Anastrepha fruit fly lure, APTIV, Inc., Portland, OR) and the BioLure (two-component MFF lure, Suterra LLC, Inc., Bend, OR). In Multilure traps (Better World Manufacturing, Inc., Miami, FL) containing water, BioLures captured about the same numbers of flies as AFF lures. In Multilure traps containing antifreeze solution, BioLures captured 2 and 5 times more flies than AFF lures in two experiments. BioLures, and AFF lures did not differ in attractiveness when used on sticky traps (Intercept trap, APTIV, Inc.; and sticky cylinder trap). Multilure traps captured >4 times as many flies as sticky traps with the exception that captures of females did not differ between Multilure and sticky traps baited with AFF lures. The percentage of females captured in Multilure traps was greater when traps were baited with BioLures compared with AFF lures, but the reverse was true for sticky traps. Sticky cylinder traps captured a higher percentage of females than Multilure traps. The most effective trap/lure combination was the Multilure trap baited with BioLure and antifreeze. In comparison with tests of these two lures in Texas, results were similar for Multilure traps, but they differed for sticky cylinder traps in that AFF lures were consistently more attractive than BioLures in Texas, but not in Mexico.

Vertical stratification of feeding guilds and body size in beetle assemblages from an Australian tropical rainforest

Abstract The vertical stratification of insect species assemblages inhabiting tropical rainforests is well established but few have examined whether these patterns are reflected in vertical stratification of body size or feeding guilds. We used Malaise and Flight Interception Traps to sample beetle assemblages from five locations, at both canopy and ground zones of a tropical lowland rainforest site near Cape Tribulation, Australia. Beetles from 4 years of sampling were sorted to Family and morphospecies, and allocated to one of five feeding guilds. Within feeding guilds the number of species and individuals, from canopy‐ and ground‐caught traps were compared. The body lengths of species were measure and compared within feeding guilds and families. Herbivores was the dominant guild but was not the majority of all species or individuals. Most beetle species (69%) were less than 5 mm in length and the mean size of canopy‐caught species was greater than that for ground‐caught species. This was probably due to slightly more species of plant feeders (herbivores and xylophages) present in the canopy, which were significantly larger than saprophages, fungivores and predators. Among feeding guilds, there were few overall canopy–ground differences. These results contrast with species composition results presented elsewhere where strong differences between the canopy and the ground were evident. We suggest that our guild groupings may have been too coarse to detect fine‐scale differences and that resource partitioning may have also masked faunal stratification. We propose that fine‐scale differences in resources between the canopy and the ground, together with strong microclimate gradients, are likely to be important in structuring the vertical stratification of insect assemblages at the level of species, but not with respect to functional groups.

Beetle assemblages from an Australian tropical rainforest show that the canopy and the ground strata contribute equally to biodiversity

There remains great uncertainty about how much tropical forest canopies contribute to global species richness estimates and the relative specialization of insect species to vertical zones. To investigate these issues, we conducted a four-year sampling program in lowland tropical rainforest in North Queensland, Australia. Beetles were sampled using a trap that combines Malaise and flight interception trap (FIT) functions. Pairs of this trap, one on the ground and a second suspended 15-20 m above in the canopy were located at five sites, spaced 50 m or more apart. These traps produced 29986 beetles of 1473 species and 77 families. There were similar numbers of individuals (canopy 14473; ground 15513) and species (canopy 1158; ground 895) in each stratum, but significantly more rare species in the canopy (canopy 509; ground 283). Seventy two percent of the species (excluding rare species) were found in both strata. Using IndVal, we found 24 and 27% of the abundant species (n>or=20 individuals) to be specialized to the canopy and the ground strata, respectively, and equivalent analyses at the family level showed figures of 30 and 22%, respectively. These results show that the canopy and the ground strata both provide important contributions to rainforest biodiversity.

Diurnal/Nocturnal Activity of Rove Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama Assayed by Flight Intercept Trap

Abstract A flight intercept trap was used for 12 days on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, to assay the diversity of staphylinid beetles, and to provide data on which are diurnal and/or nocturnal. The trap was sampled twice over a 24 h period, providing data for diurnal/nocturnal activity for these beetles. In total 1,349 specimens and 35 genera of Staphylinidae were caught, representing nine subfamilies. Of these 1,349 specimens, 1036 (76.8%, P < 0.01 t-test) were caught during the day, and 313 (23.2%) were caught during the night. Aleocharinae is the most abundant subfamily (57.5%), followed by Staphylininae (13.1%). Details are given for the diurnal/nocturnal activity of each taxon captured.

Contradictory results from different methods for measuring direction of insect flight

Summary1. Stream ecologists have been puzzled by the apparent paradox that invertebrate populations persist in headwater streams despite the high frequency with which individuals drift downstream. To resolve this ‘drift paradox’, directions and distances of both larval and adult movement must be identified. Using over 50 interception traps in combination with results from several mark–capture experiments using 15N as a label, we tested the assumption that interception traps accurately represent the ultimate direction of adult insect flight.2. In several streams in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, 76% of 15N‐labelled stoneflies (Leuctra ferruginea) had flown upstream from where they emerged to where they were captured. In contrast, over 60% of stoneflies were flying downstream when captured, i.e. on the upstream side of an interception trap.3. The instantaneous direction, as indicated by the side of the interception trap on which they were captured, indicated the ultimate flight direction for fewer than 1/3 of the individuals captured. Thus, such traps did not accurately reflect the ultimate flight patterns of individuals, as indicated by mark–capture data.4. Conclusions drawn from interception trap counts regarding the direction of movement and the distribution and persistence of populations may need to be re‐evaluated. We suggest that better tracking methods, including mass mark–capture studies using stable isotopes, be used to evaluate the potentially complex patterns of adult insect movement and the consequences of that movement for individuals and populations.

La structure spatiale et temporelle de l’entomofaune circulante comme indicateur biologique dans la gestion des forêts et des prairies

Arthropod community structure and general processes of faunistic compartimentation were studied in two French terrestrial ecosystems, both submitted to a human management. Using an original flight interception trap, the composite entomological trap, we try to show the advantages of global and standardized sampling methods which allow to analyse an overall picture of epifaunal arthropods communities with some relative moderate resources. In this way, trapped insects are also recognized at familly level, a reliable and easy method able to carry out ecological diagnosis with a strong functional signification. The main interest of these researches consists in laying the foundations for a detailed and reproductible approach, which led us to follow structural and functional characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems, giving an acute spatiotemporal accuracy. Our results let appear a significant functional response of insect communities to habitat characteristics, but also to availability and distribution of different trophic resources.

Assessment of the diversity and abundance of terrestrial mangrove arthropods in southern New South Wales, Australia

Abstract The diversity and abundance of arboreal and flying arthropods, in three mangrove patches along the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, was investigated to determine the degree of spatial variability in the assemblages among patches. Intercept traps and restricted canopy fogging were used to sample the communities at Minnamurra, Bonnievale and Kurnell. Twelve orders of arthropods were detected, incorporating 252 morphospecies. Abundance, species richness and species composition were very similar across all patches, the variation being much smaller than expected. These findings suggest that the composition of the arboreal and flying fauna associated with mangrove patches are very similar among patches, but preliminary results also showed that species composition could be highly variable within a patch.Variation between the trapping methods was large, as expected. Intercept trapping and restricted canopy fogging techniques were found to sample different suites of species and therefore complement each other well in sampling programs. Cumulative species curves differed between time periods but generally were flatter for intercept traps than for restricted canopy fogging. Results suggested, for a given level of effort, intercept traps caught a more representative sample of the species composition available to them.

Analysis of movement and the consequence for metapopulation structure of the forked fungus beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus Panzer (Tenebrionidae)

The objectives of this study were to examine the movement abilities of the different sexes and the teneral and adult stages of the forked fungus beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), to look at whether the beetles move by walking or flying over the scale examined, and to determine the spatial extent of the local or sub-population in a metapopulation context. The capture-mark-recapture method was used within an experimental model system constructed of 90 patches of logs hosting the fungus Fomes fomentarius and covering 900 m2. Recapture of released beetles did not differ among the groups released, and the analysis revealed that both sexes moved in a similar fashion. Adults moved more often and further than tenerals over the first 28 days of each release. Movement of all individuals was confined to an area roughly 50 m in radius. A percentage of both adults and tenerals had their elytra glued to test for flight in this species. No differences in movement frequency and distance were detected between glued and non-glued individuals. Over 4,000 trapnights of flight intercept trap data, as well as 15 days over which logs were suspended above the ground, failed to show any evidence of beetle flight. We conclude that i) flight is not an important mode of movement over the spatial scale examined, ii) adult beetles move further and more often than tenerals, iii) most movement is confined to an area of 50 m radius near the release point. Implications for the forked fungus beetle population and metapopulation structured are discussed.

Monitoring codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with passive interception traps in sex pheromone-treated apple orchards.

Male and female codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), were monitored with passive interception traps (PI-traps) in apple orchards treated with sex pheromone dispensers. The proportion of mated females recaptured by PI-traps was significantly higher than the proportion released after the release of both sexes into a codling moth-infested orchard. However, no significant difference occurred between the proportion of mated females recaptured and released when only females were released into uninfested orchards. Replicated nine-tree apple plots situated either on the edge or in the center ofpheromone-treated apple orchards were monitored with PI-traps during first moth flight in 1995 and during both flights in 1996. Moths caught on PI-traps were predominately males. The first male moths were captured 7-10 d before females during the first flight in both years. Initial capture of virgin and mated females on PI-traps coincided in 1995. Mated females were captured 14 d after the first virgin females in 1996. The mean proportion of females that were mated ranged from 32 to 55% during the first flight and 85 to 92% during the second flight. Moth catch and fruit injury were significantly higher in the edge versus the center plots. The numbers of total and female moths caught with PI-traps were significantly correlated with fruit injury for each generation. The percentage of female moths caught on PI-traps that were mated was 32% lower and the mean oocyte load of all females was 42% higher in a pheromone-treated apple orchard than in the untreated crabapple grove monitored during May and June 1997.

Comparação da eficiência de modelos de armadilhas de interceptação de vôo na amostragem de Hymenoptera e outros insetos

Armadilhas de interceptação de vôo para insetos propostas por Townes (1972) e Masner &amp; Goulet (1981) foram modificadas. Os modelos originais e os modificados foram comparados entre si em sua eficiência na amostragem de ordens de Insecta e famílias de Hymenoptera. O uso de bandejas pintadas na cor amarela aumentou significativamente a eficiência de captura das armadilhas de Masner &amp; Goulet. A união, em uma única armadilha, da bandeja amarela, típica do modelo de Masner &amp; Goulet, com o pote, típico das armadilhas Malaise, não reduziu a eficiência individual dos dois sistemas. A associação desses sistemas de captura por interceptação de vôo, mais a atratividade da cor amarela, permitiu o funcionamento, num mesmo local e ao mesmo tempo, de três técnicas que geralmente têm sido empregadas isoladamente. O resultado foi o somatório de amostras padronizadas, sem perda de eficiência individual. Um menor esforço humano é possível, porque reduz a quantidade de armadilhas. O custo financeiro também é menor, devido à economia de tecido utilizado. Como uma técnica compensa a menor eficiência da outra na captura de determinados taxa, um modelo de armadilha que associa todas elas pode ser particularmente útil em levantamentos faunísticos abrangentes.

Efficiency of Flight Interception Traps for Adult Colorado Potato Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Interception traps have been used to monitor and sample Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), populations in flight, but the efficiency of these traps was unknown. The efficiency of interception window traps is limited because flying adults avoid the traps and may bounce off the trap without being collected. All trap types tested were avoided in flight chamber tests, including those constructed of transparent Plexiglas or yellow wood boards. A larger screen trap and a harp trap designed to reduce detection were also avoided by the beetles in flight. None of the traps provide a direct estimate of the number of adults randomly flying in the trap area. The highest level of efficiency for window traps was obtained with the yellow trap, which caught 16% of the expected flying population. Harp and screen traps without frames intercepted 60-62% of the expected flying population. The presence of a frame did not increase significantly the avoidance of the screen and harp traps by beetles in flight. Recommendations are made to maintain or increase the efficiency of some traps.