Malaise trap
Malaise traps , named after the Swedish entomologist René Malaise (1892–1978), who first used them in Burma in 1937 , are tent traps for catching flying insects .
The insects get into the dark lower part of the tent during their flight close to the ground and then try to get into the light upper part of the tent against the light. At the top of the tent there is a vessel with high-proof alcohol that numbs and kills the insects (by drowning ). The alcohol also preserves the animals.
It is important to pay attention to the placement of the traps in the area, as often only a few meters make the difference between success and failure. In general, however, one can say that peripheral structures, such as forest edges, achieve greater success. In addition, the orientation towards the sun must be observed, as many insects fly towards the light.
Malaise traps are automatic traps and do not select. Therefore, they can only be used in a controlled manner and must be serviced regularly. In Germany, their use must be approved by the authorities.
Thanks to the extensive use of these traps, especially in exotic countries, very extensive collections have been created in recent years, which are of great importance for entomology . However, the occasional inadequate processing of the catch is problematic. Only when the material has been sorted at least to the level of order can appropriate specialists be commissioned with further determination . This work is very cost-intensive and accordingly requires well-trained biological-technical assistants and systematists . Malaise traps are particularly popular in North America ( United States , Canada ), and thanks to their use, the world's largest scientific insect collections can be found there today.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ René Malaise (1937): A new insect-trap. Entomologisk Tidskrift 58: 148-160 (ISSN 0013-886X).
