Collecting organisms
Organisms can be collected using a variety of methods. These methods include:
- sweep nets
- pooters
- pitfall traps
Sweep nets
Sweep nets are useful for collecting insects and other small animals from bushes, long grass and ponds.
Pooters
A pooter is a small jar used for collecting insects. It has two tubes - one goes into your mouth so you can apply suction, and the other goes over the insect so that is sucked into the jar. A fine mesh over the end of the first tube stops you swallowing the insect.
Pitfall traps
A pitfall trap is often used to get a sample of small invertebrates living on the ground, such as beetles, spiders and slugs.
It consists of a container, such as a yoghurt carton, buried in the ground. The top of the container is level with the soil surface, and it is covered by a piece of wood with a slight gap to allow insects to climb in. It is important to check the trap regularly to avoid the animals escaping or being eaten before they are counted.