SLAM Traps – Hybrid Malaise Traps

SLAM Trap II Standard

Specifications:

• Dimensions: L110 x W110 x H110 cm
• Net Weight: 1.4 kilograms
• Main Material: Knitted Mesh | Polyester
• Mesh Size: 96 x 26 | 680 µm aperture

New modular design, each trap component can be purchased and replaced individually in case of loss or damage.

Malaise traps are used extensively in biodiversity surveys because of their potential for catching many taxa of airborne insects. However, entomologists have to overcome several innate shortcomings of the traditional Malaise trap: complex and time-consuming assembly and disassembly; poor mobility because of difficult installation; large, open area required for set up; and high cost. These disadvantages can greatly restrict the scope and use of the Malaise trap.

Installation of the standard SLAM trap (the Sea, Land, and Air Malaise Trap that floats on water, stands on the ground, and hangs in the sky) is a breath of fresh air. It is self-supported and freestanding. The trap is easily clipped to a framework of shock-corded poles, requiring no additional support or guy ropes. The standard SLAM trap is so simple to erect, it will save time and effort for other important activities, especially when many traps need to be deployed. It is configured with cross baffles so that flying insects are collected from four sides, making wind direction and exposure to sunlight less of a concern when considering trap placement and orientation.

Improvise a flight interception trap (FIT) or window trap by placing the standard SLAM trap over trays or ground cloths filled with preservatives (Refer E997F).

Suspended in the air, the standard SLAM trap becomes an aerial Malaise trap. When dangled from trees, the standard SLAM trap can be elevated to any height to avoid obstacles in natural insect flyways such as high bush or grass. With loops sewn on the standard SLAM trap, several standard SLAM traps can be daisy-chained to sample all habitats from ground level to canopy at the same time.

To make the standard SLAM trap go aquatic, four soda bottles (not included) and the trap floating kit (sold separately) are required. Connecting the bottles and trap floating kit to the standard SLAM trap transforms the trap into a floating Malaise trap that captures insects flying over wetlands.

This all terrain SLAM trap is made of fine Polyester fabric. Also included are: a mesh ventilation window on the collecting head to optimize the catch, and a removable “moth excluder (2 x 2 mesh/square inch)” at the collecting head entrance to prevent the entry of large insects such as Lepidoptera or dragonflies. A bottom collector (sold separately) can be tied underneath the standard SLAM trap to preserve flying insects that drop when hitting barriers (i.e. Coleoptera).

Insect drop-off is accelerated if Pyrethroids are applied to this ventilation window. Since all Pyrethroids are UV unstable, treatment should be repeated about once a week.

Accessories

EM508C-MK2: Mark 2 model; Bottom Collector for Standard SLAM Trap

Aerial collecting

The bottom collector is manufactured to accommodate the standard Slam Trap for aerial purposes, so that specimens that fold their wings and drop after striking an object can be collected.

The bottom collector comes with a coarse mesh (3.6cm x 3.6cm grid) on top to prevent leaves and twigs from clogging the bottom collecting bottle.

The Collector consists of:

• Cloth Funnel
• 2 x Shock-corded poles
• Bottle connecting ring and 2 x 500ml collecting bottles
• Dimensions: L100cm x W100cm x H100cm
• Weight: 630 grams
• Colour: Black Nylon cloth

Materials:

• Funnel – Nylon Cloth
• Shock-corded Poles – Aluminum
• Collecting Bottle – Polyethylene