A NEW INEXPENSIVE SUCTION APPARATUS FOR SAMPLING ARTHROPODS IN GRASSLAND

1. We describe a new technique for sampling arthropods from grassland and other vegetation, using a modified petrol-driven suction apparatus called a 'Blow and Vac'. 2. The new apparatus was tested by comparing its efficiency in extracting arthropods from vegetation with that of a conventional Dietrick, or 'D-Vac', suction sampler. 3. Unimpeded air velocity inside the suction tube was approximately 4 times that of the D-Vac. 4. In field trials on semi-natural grasslands, the Blow and Vac caught more individuals of most spider and certain beetle species compared to the D-Vac and approximately equal numbers of Auchenorrhyncha, 5. We conclude that the 'Blow and Vac' has considerable potential for sampling arthropod populations. Its low cost and weight make it a suitable alternative to the conventional D-Vac apparatus.