The efficiency of an insect suction sampler in grassland

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Capture efficiency was determined chiefly by insect type: Diptera 79–98%, Hymenoptera 60–83%, Homoptera 32–76%, Thysanoptera 27–62%, Acarina 12–40%. 2. Grass length also affected efficiency, but to a lesser degree. 3. Prolongation of the sampling period increased the proportions of some groups more than others. 4. Capture efficiency for any group was not affected by the number of individuals present. 5. Catch size did not vary with time of day. 6. The method was unsatisfactory for wet grass.