Light traps are an effective method for monitoring and collecting various insect species. Proper equipment, strategic placement, and regular monitoring are crucial for achieving maximum effectiveness. This article summarizes the most important aspects of using light traps in practice.
Night hunting and insect observation, attracted by a light trap, are among our favorite methods—indispensable for studying certain groups of beetles. Nights, especially in equatorial Africa, are long, making it essential to use every moment for research.
Another advantage of the light trap is that with a sufficiently strong light source, you can carry out other activities—sorting collected material, cooking, or even playing cards. Each night is unique, and the anticipation of what surprises the light trap will attract is a fascinating experience full of wonder and discovery.
For successful insect capture, proper equipment for the light trap is essential. The main components include:
Reflective surface material:
The most suitable choice is white fabric that should be as shiny as possible. In practice, various types of polyester materials have proven effective, as they reflect light well and enhance the trap's efficiency.
Light source:
The most crucial component is the correct UV spectrum. Ideally, discharge lamps have been proven to attract a wide range of species.
Some insect species require only a weak light source, but most prefer strong sources that better attract even distant individuals.
The bulbs must always be placed vertically or facing upwards—if placed differently, they may burst. It is also necessary to ensure protection against rain.
Power supply:
The most common power source is gasoline generators, providing enough energy in the field.
Alternatively, a frequency converter can be used, but this method is mainly for emergency situations due to its disadvantages.
Trap anchoring:
The light trap must be well-anchored to withstand unexpected wind gusts and remain stable during the entire collection process.
Trap Frame Design:
Our traps consist of an approximately 2-meter-high arch made of duralumin or fiberglass poles, which are inserted into stakes driven into the ground. The structure is designed for stability and can be easily assembled and disassembled for transport. Depending on weather conditions, it may be necessary to secure the trap against strong winds using additional tensioning.
Light bulbs can either be hung on poles within cutouts in the fabric or mounted on a separate frame, with one bulb positioned on each side to optimize light distribution. In some cases, we have found it effective to use a third bulb mounted on a separate 5-meter telescopic pole. This setup is particularly useful for attracting insects from greater distances, especially in flat terrain where visibility is unobstructed.
Choosing the right location is crucial for the trap's effectiveness:
Distance from vegetation and light sources:
The trap should not be placed near dense vegetation or other light sources that might distract insects.
Surface around the trap:
The ideal surface is flat, free of grass and dense vegetation, as some insect species may not reach the trap's surface.
Distance from plant cover:
The optimal distance from plant cover depends on the power of the light source—the stronger the source, the further the trap can be placed.
Ideal conditions:
There is no definitive rule for the perfect night. A light rain during a full moon can be as effective as a warm, calm night before a storm. Conversely, a warm night during a total lunar eclipse often does not yield expected results. In general, the ideal is a warm, windless night, preferably before a storm, during the waning moon phase, and best before midnight.
Considering local conditions:
When selecting a location, it is also important to consider local customs, as this activity might seem suspicious to some people and may attract attention. In such cases, it is advisable to act discreetly.
To maximize efficiency, regular monitoring of the traps is necessary:
Monitoring the surroundings:
Some insect species may not reach the screen directly, so it is important to inspect the surrounding area as well.
Species' activity time:
Some species fly only during specific times—such as at sunset or early in the morning. In some cases, the species arrive and immediately depart, which requires more frequent checks.
Combination with impact traps:
In certain situations, combining light traps with impact traps has proven effective, as insects remain trapped in a collection container and are less likely to escape.
Proper equipment, strategic placement, and regular monitoring of light traps are key factors for effective insect collection. By following these principles, it is possible to maximize capture success and obtain valuable information about the presence and activity of various species.
