Ecologically seIective coIoured traps

Abstract

Abstract. 1. This paper analyses catches of flower thrips, grass thrips and predatory flies in water‐traps of seven colours. 2. A correlation is demonstrated between type of host‐plant of thrips and the relative numbers caught by traps of different colours. 3. The literature is reviewed and some general relationships with the effectiveness of different trap colours are hypothesized for: non‐grass foliage insects and their predators and parasites; grass foliage insects; flower‐dwelling insects; predators and parasites not associated with foliage; biting insects; and wood‐borers. 4. This may permit trap colours to be chosen, in particular circumstances, that are ecologically selective for different types of insect.