Week 4 Lab: Pan-Trap Dataset

The pan-trap dataset was collected at York University’s grasslands and woodlot. First, in the woodlot, 6 pans were positioned in a linear fashion with approximtely 1m distance between between them. The distance was estimated, not precise. The pans were arranged in an alternating pattern of blue, white and yellow. Specifically, the pans were placed near a shaded area, such as beside a log and near tree trunks. When the pans were set up, it was 3:00pm in the afternoon and it was raining. The weather reduced our chances of capturing insects as many of them were not flying around and were seeking shelter instread. After the pans were poisitioned, they were filled in half-way with soapy water. The soapy water would make is easy for an insect to be trapped. Additionally, in the unmowed grasslands, 6 more pans were arranged linearly from one another, with 1m distance between them. The pans were also arranged in an alternating pattern of blue, white and yellow pan and they were placed close to the edge of the grasslands. The pans were also filled in half-way with soapy water to trap any insects. Then, at approximately 4:00pm, the pans in the grasslands were checked to see if they had trapped any insects. The number of insects in each pan were counted and the observations were recorded. Each insect’s name and taxonomic order was also defined using the insect key in the lab manual. After the pans in the grasslands were examined, the pans in the woodlot were checked next. The number of organisms in each pan were counted and their names and taxonomic orders were also recorded. Once the pans were checked, they were then emptied out of the soapy water and collected.