Comparison of Five Methods for Estimating Density of Rangeland Grasshoppers1

Abstract

The frequency distribution of rangeland grasshoppers within subsamples was generally in agreement with the Poisson distribution. The accuracy and precision of density estimates varied significantly between sampling methods. The most reliable methods were those that mechanically delineated boundaries of the subsamples. Night cages were most reliable, followed closely by cage or net samplers, and all were superior to methods that required visual estimation of subsample boundaries. Unfortunately, accuracy and precision of the sampling methods were inversely related to convenience.