Absolute Population Estimates by Sampling a Unit of Habitat: Air, Plants, Plant Products, and Vertebrate Hosts

Abstract

Suction and other samplers for aerial insects and other invertebrates, such as the exposed-cone Johnson–Taylor trap, are described, and their efficiencies under different meteorological conditions defined. Techniques for sampling small animals from plants are described, including the use of suction apparatus such as the D-Vac and Vectis for grassland sampling. Specialized methods for counting insects within plant tissues are described, and techniques for sampling parasites from their vertebrate hosts and homes are reviewed.