TRAP CATCHES OF MUSCA VETUSTISSIMA WALKER (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE) AND OTHER ARTHROPODS ASSOCIATED WITH CATTLE DUNG IN RELATION TO HEIGHT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL

Abstract

Abstract Catches of male and female Musca vetustissima in isolated fly traps located up to 3 m above ground were inversely related to height, but sex ratios and female age‐distributions were similar for catches at all heights. Since the effect of height on log catch was highly significant, traps must be operated at a standard height to obtain estimates of fly abundance that are comparable between sampling occasions. Seasonal variation in log catch in relation to height was also highly significant, but was small in comparison to the effects of height. Catches of other dung‐frequenting arthropods in pitfall traps were highest at ground level. Very few arthropods were caught in traps located 2 m or more above ground. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved