TROLLING: A NOVEL TRAPPING METHOD FOR CHRYSOPS SPP. (DIPTERA: TABANIDAE)

Authors

  • Russell F. Mizell III
  • Russell F. Mizell IV
  • Ryan A. Mizell

Abstract

Trolling, a novel trapping method, was developed and tested for deer flies, Chrysops spp., and other Tabanidae. The trap is a plastic plant container coated with Tanglefoot that is mounted upside down on a rod in an apparatus attached to a vehicle. The vehicle is then driven "trolled" to attract Tabanidae. Trap movement, color, shape, dimension and size were evaluated to improve trap catch. Response by Chrysops vittatus Wiedemann/C. pikei Whitney and C. macquarti Philip to the trap's parameters are reported. The most effective trap is a 15 cm diameter pot (Lerio C-360, B-6, The Lerio Corp. Mobile, AL) painted bright blue, placed 1-2 m above the ground and moved at a speed of less than 3.13 m/sec. Response of Chrysops spp. to the trap indicated the hierarchy of behavioral stimuli to Chrysops spp. in order of importance to be height, movement, speed, dimensions, color, size, and contrast. No known tabanid attractants tested including CO2, acetone or octenol increased trap captures and the insect repellent, DEET, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, did not reduce trap captures. Other biological information derived during the trapping experiments is reported. The trolling trap appears very valuable to detect and monitor certain Chrysops spp. and other tabanid populations for scientific purposes. In addition the trap or modifications of it, mounted either on or near humans (hat or walking stick) or on vehicles, may be useful to reduce or eliminate attacks from Chrysops spp. or to suppress their activity for short time periods in small areas such as dooryards.

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Published

2002-06-01

Issue

Vol. 85, No. 2 (June 2002)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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