A test on the effectiveness and selectivity of three sampling methods frequently used in orthopterological field studies

Abstract

To obtain unbiased data in entomological samplings the selectivity and effectiveness of methods should be known. Sweepnetting, direct search and dish trap, which are frequently used in orthopterology, were tested to get data on selectivity and effectiveness. Based on the number of collected individuals, sweepnetting was the most labour efficient, while the highest number of species was collected by direct search. Dish traps were most selective to ground-dwelling species. Sweepnetting and direct search were sensitive to grass-dwelling species. Our results underlines that none of the methods is universal, and a combination of sweepnetting and direct search provides the greatest benefits. © Entomologica Fennica. 2007.