Evaluation of Multiple-Funnel and Slot Traps for Collection of Southern Pine Bark Beetles and Predators

Pheromone-baited traps are frequently used for research or in monitoring populations of bark beetles such as the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, and Ips spp. which are important pests of southern pines. We compared the effectiveness of two commercially available trap designs, the multiple-funnel trap and the slot trap, for collection of D. frontalis, three species of Ips, and two of their common predators. Slot traps captured greater numbers of bark beetles while multiple-funnel traps captured more predators. Multiple-funnel traps were judged to be easier to transport and check in the field. This study indicates that slot traps are preferable for monitoring southern bark beetles with the least disruption to natural enemy populations, while multiple-funnel traps are better for monitoring bark beetle/predator ratios. Due to ease of checking and handling, multiple-funnel traps are preferable for uses that involve large numbers of traps, long-distance manual hauling, or frequent relocation of traps.