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Standard hand nets
Hand nets are an indispensable piece of equipment for entomologists. Our standard hand nets comprise three elements, a frame, handle and net bag which can be bought together or as separate components. Options are available in all three components. The basic frames are round and four-fold, so they can be folded flat - ideal for carrying in luggage and back packs (view picture). These are available in four diameters: 35cm (14in), 40cm (16in), 50cm (20in) and 60cm (24in). The smaller two sizes are the most popular with entomologists. The 50 and 60cm diameter frames are mainly supplied to batworkers. The 60cm is used as the frame of our beating tray (see below).
There a number of options in handle length and type. The handles, which are made of lightweight aluminium, are available in the following lengths: 30cm (1ft), 60cm (2ft), 90cm (3ft) and 120cm (4ft) (view picture). Two sizes of extension pieces (60cm/2ft and 90cm/3ft) are also available.
The bags are available in either black or white polyester. The 40cm (16in) is available in a longer size, creating a deeper net. A smaller alternative to the standard net is the spring frame net (view picture). These have a frame made of flexible spring steel so they can be neatly folded - ideal for carrying in pockets and back packs. The steel frame, although flexible, is still robust and our net does not suffer from the problem of excessive flexing when in use that is apparent in some inferior versions. The frame has an integral, short (15cm/6in) handle with a black moulded grip. They take either a 25cm/10in or 30cm/12in net bag in black or white.
Sweep nets
These nets have more robust frames than the standard hand nets and so can be used to catch insects by sweeping the nets through vegetation. We supply two types - light and heavy duty. The light sweep net has a kite shaped frame which takes a 40cm bag in polyester netting or calico (view picture). The heavy duty net is also kite shaped and can be supplied with a netting (view picture) or a heavy duty calico bag (view picture). Please contact us to discuss the best net for your requirements.
Beating tray (BTG)
Beating trays are used to sample the fauna in trees and shrubs. The tray is placed under a branch or foliage; this is then hit sharply with a stick to dislodge the insects which fall onto the calico tray. They then can be caught in a vial or pooter. Beating are best suited to catch larvae and slow moving insects (beetles and Hemiptera). Our beating tray consists of a circular calico panel fitted to the 60cm folding frame with a 30cm handle. The frame is foldable once the handle is removed. (View picture).
Flight interception traps
We also supply flight interception and emergence traps used in entomological research. These are manufactured of high quality material and a standard specification. Several options are available in black or white. All are fitted with a collecting head which can be used wet or dry. Contact us to discuss your requirements and large orders. Traps are supplied with collecting head, a spare bottle with lid, pegs and guys but NOT poles. These are not supplied as they would be too large to post.
Malaise Traps
Malaise traps work on the principle that many flying insects will move upwards when they hit a barrier. They are essentially open-sided tents with a central baffle and a collecting head at the highest point. Flying insects hit the central baffle and ascend to be caught in the collecting head. Malaise traps are suitable for catching Diptera and Hymenoptera, especially. For Coleoptera a simple barrier net (a flight interception net or FIN) suffices used in combination with a water trap as they descend when they hit a barrier. (NOTE a FIN is simply a net barrier; it does not use a collecting head).
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Emergence Traps (view picture)
Emergence traps are used to sample insects emerging from the ground or collected material. Several types are available. The standard emergence trap (SET) sits flush to the ground and lacks a base. Insects emerging from the area of ground covered move upwards and are collected in a standard Malaise collecting head. Owen traps (OT) are similar except they have a sealed floor. Material such as dead wood, flood debris or leaves, is put inside and again any insects emerging are collected in the head. As the base is floored, contamination of the material is prevented once it is sealed in the trap. The Malaise trap design can also be adapted to create a macro emergence trap (MET) , by increasing the size of the side panels so they reach to the ground and removing the central baffle. These large traps have been used to sample insects emerging from wetland habitats and grassland and their use was pioneered by Dr Martin Speight of the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Suction sampler bags (VACB) An effective way of sampling insects insects is to use a suction sampler. The wide availbility of petrol-powered leaf blowers provides a light, portable tool that with slight modification can be used in a variety of habitats. We can supply collecting bags which fit inside the nozzles. B&S accept no responsibility for the use of modifed leaf blowers or similar equipment.
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