A collapsible, semi-automatic, tent-type, emergence trap, suitable for sampling Culicoides (Diptera : Ceratopogonidae) from a wide range of habitats

Abstract

A lightweight, collapsible, tent-type, trap of 1 m² floor-area was developed for the collection of emerging Culicoides from a wide range of habitats. It is cheap; easy to build, transport and erect; withstands adverse climatic conditions well; affects the covered habitat only slightly; and needs little attention. Insects are trapped into 0,5% aqueous "Savlon" solution in a removable, modified, 2 litre plastic bottle. In this, the catch remains fresh for up to 2 weeks and is still suitable for identification and mounting for taxonomic purposes. Emergence numbers of 100 or more Culicoides/m²/day are quite common with this trap.