A comparison of sweepnet, absolute, and insectavac sampling methods in cotton ecosystems

Regressions of insectavac (IV) and sweepnet samples on absolute samples were run on 24 groups of insects in 12 genera, 1 family, and 5 superfamilies. The IV sampled more insects on a per unit basis and gave a more accurate estimate of population density and variation than did the sweepnet samples. The IV produced samples with greater predictive value in return for less human effort than the sweepnet; however, the insectavac is more expensive to operate than is the sweepnet.