Measuring trap efficiency for bark beetles (Col., Scolytidae)

• Published in: Journal of applied entomology (1986) Vol. 128; no. 5; pp. 337 - 341
• Main Authors: Safranyik, L, Shore, T.L, Linton, D.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Germany Blackwell Verlag GmbH 01.06.2004; Blackwell
• Subjects: bark beetle; bark beetles; barrier traps; Biological and medical sciences; Dendroctonus ponderosae; equipment design; equipment performance; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; insect control; insect pests; insect traps; mathematical models; model validation; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Pinus contorta; Pinus contorta var. latifolia; Protozoa. Invertebrates; Scolytidae; trap design; trap efficiency; trap efficiency model; trapping; British Columbia; Trap; Invertebrata; Coleoptera; Arthropoda; Insecta; Scolytidae
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2004.00851.x
• ISSN: 0931-2048

:  The relative efficiency of cylindrical, linear and cross‐barrier traps for trapping bark beetles was investigated based on a theoretical model. Using this model, the effective trap interception area of each trap type was calculated and trap efficiency was defined as the ratio of the effective interception area to the trap surface area. The relative efficiencies of the three trap types were calculated as the ratios of their respective effective interception areas. Based on this approach, assuming random directional movement of dispersing beetles, the order of efficiency of the three trap types, from highest to lowest, was linear, cross‐barrier and cylindrical. The expected ratios of trap catches based on the relative efficiencies of the three trap types were fitted to data from trapping experiments with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins). In general, there was large variation in trap catches among traps of the same type but the ratios of mean catches per trap conformed to the expected ratios. The results indicate that the model of trap efficiency could be used for designing efficient traps. The methods presented are amenable for assessing the efficiency of other trap designs.