Author
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Duehl, Adrian |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/11/2010 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Insect traps are commonly used for both population sampling and insect control, the former as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. We developed traps for two insects, one as part of a pesticide based IPM system and the other for population control. Our IPM trap is for crawling insects and is a pyramid shaped body with a central pitfall, a cover and raised fins with the option of light as an additional attractant. The focal insect for this trap, Tribolium castaneum, is a pest of stored products and follows edges in a search of crevices to hide, food resources and the opposite sex for reproduction. The pyramid trap provides an edge that leads to a fin that will direct the insect to a central pitfall area, it also incorporates the lid to create a crevice. In addition the lid prevents the central pitfall from filling with dust in grain processing facilities. LEDs emitting light at a near UV wavelength can be added to the trap to incorporate additional visual attraction. Tribolium seem to follow visual cues more than chemical cues in making dispersal decisions. Another insect whose biology we investigated is the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, it is a pest of bees and is a problem for weak bee hives and stored hive elements. Larvae use light cues to disperse in search of soil for pupation and adults move toward light when trying to leave enclosed spaces but not when out in the open. We tested a pipe trap with the addition of LEDs for adults and a pitfall trap or larvae. In this setting both were very effective but their efficiency still needs to be further evaluated. In both cases an evaluation of the insect’s preferences for light as well as visual and spatial cues preceded trap development. Trap design also considered the eventual location of trap deployment. |
