Photovoltaic-powered suction trap for weakly flying insects

A small suction trap for sampling weakly flying insects such as aphids has been designed and constructed for use at study sites where grid electrical power is unavailable. The four 12-V, brushless, DC fans mounted in a square plenum are powered by a deep cycle battery that is charged by a photovoltaic panel. The fans and timer are turned on and off by a photoelectric control mounted on the trap. The cost of the solar panel, battery, fans, and other materials was approximately $700 per trap. The traps are designed for capturing insects alive but can be easily modified for collecting insects in alcohol. Use of these suction traps in experimental plots within a field permits analysis of spatial variations in aerial densities of weakly flying insects