Project:

Comparative Analysis of Field Trap vs Forest Trap for Diptera at Farmingdale State College

Students:

Sydney Bergstein, Hailey Kemins, Jordan Soriano

School:

Long Beach High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kristen Conklin

Abstract:

Malaise traps were named after the Swedish entomologist, Rene Malaise. These traps are simple, easily transported and work continuously once set. They do not require a power source and can sample a wide diversity of predominantly flying insects. Malaise traps are constructed as a small tent that is open on both sides that has a piece of fabric on the inside. Air flows through the trap and flying insects get caught inside the "tent" on the fabric. As the insects walk up (instinctively) and go to the top of the "tent," which is open and they walk into a collection jar which usually contains some sort of killing or collection agent inside. In our case, 95% ethanol was used as the collection agent and killing agent. So, insects walk or fly into the jar and eventually fall into the ethanol and die. The traps used were set across Long Island NY at various locations. Due to the easy setup and low maintenance of the trap, they are very useful for long term ecological surveys.

Poster:

Team samples: