AN IMPROVED PITFALL TRAP FOR SAMPLING ANTS AND OTHER EPIGAEIC INVERTEBRATES

摘要: An improved pitfall trap design is described which easy to install, ideal for sequentional sampling and may be less susceptible digging-in effects than conventional traps. The hcre evolved as the result of an investigation into phenology distribution forest ants. problem was develop a could replaced at regular periods, retain preservative long periods. withstand flooding. Greenslade & (1971) (1973) describc their evalualion traps used sample ants other epigaeic invertebrates in South Australia elsewhere. They suggest that specimen tube 18 mni mouth dlameter 75 mm depth. containingalcohol with trace ofglycerol, suitable non;ittract:mt illustrated Fig. lb refinement model. It consists Corner-JoblingK medium walled, rimmed, Pyrex test tubes (150 dccp, 19 external diameter intc'i-n;il diameter) set 158 polyvinyl chloride sleeve constructed from 25 class A underground electrical conduit. 8 space base acts ;IS :I rcscrvoir accommodate mil or detritus fall iii during changing tubes. inserter tool Figure la placing soil. turned aluminium bar has poinred end. slccve. bevelled ill lower cnd, first placed over tool. resulting unit can forced sandy loamy laterite soils by driving mallet. In harder it necessary abandon thc use point pick-Lixe.