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:
