Pitfall-trap

For standardized assessments of epigaeic arthropod diversity we successfully employ a pitfall-trap of own design since 1985. In a multitude of projects the trap served very well. A comparative analysis of trapping success of cup-traps versus our funnel-trap revealed superior catching success of our design.

These traps, combined with our combi trap, are in use for the Swiss Biodiversity Monitoring (BDM-CH) in a project that employs rapid biodiversity assessment methods to comparably measure species diversity.

People interested in using this trap may contact us directly. The costs for material and manufacturing one trap amount to CHF 60.-

A few images should clarify the design and functioning of the trap.

(Clicking on an image will open a larger version in a seperate window!)

The functional trap with opaque-transparent roof and weight to prevent rain & wind damage	Size comparison. Funnel diameter is 15 cm. Roof removel for emptying the trap.	View inside the funnel. The neck is blocked by a 1.5x1.5 cm wire cross to allow small mammals / reptiles to escape.
Emptying the trap. Funnel with screw-on bottle are pulled from the container tube which is sunk in the ground.	The full bottle is replaced by a fresh one. No spilling, transportation problems are resolved.	Top view into the container tube sunck in the ground. The funnel hangs flush on the edge of the tube.