Pitfall trapping for ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in mesic Australia: The influence of trap diameter

Catches of ants in the two most commonly-used forms of pitfall trap ('test-tube' traps, ca 18 mm diameter; 'coffee cup' traps, ca. 70 mm diameter) are compared from samples in open grassy woodland in southern Victoria, Australia. The 25 morphospecies found in the narrower traps were all represented among the 31 morphospecies collected in the larger traps. Either pattern is adequate to collect samples for broad inter-treatment comparisons and documentation of the more typical and representative fauna, but larger traps may have some advantage if more complete inventory is sought. © Springer 2005.