Lab 3: Color of Pan Traps vs. Number of Insects Attracted

Study: This study examines the relationship between the color of pan traps and the number of insects attracted by each. Location: York University Keele Campus within the parameters of both a grassland and a woodlot. Method:The method used to collect data for this study is the use of multi-colored pan traps filled with soapy water. The pan traps were placed around a meter away from each other in both the grassland and woodlot environments. Hypothesis: There will be a correlation between the color of each pan trap and the number of insects it attracts. Prediction: There is a correlation between pan trap colors and the number of insects they attract. Yellow pan traps attract more insects (e.g. pollinators) because of their vibrant color compared to blue and white pan traps. White pan traps attracted the least insects because of its dull appearance. Metadata: Number of Pan Trap = Pan traps were numbered based on their order of placement next to each other (1 meter apart). Data is quantitative and numerical. Color of Pan Trap = There were three different colors of pan traps used (yellow, blue, and white). One partner visually inspected the color of the pan trap while the other recorded. Data is qualitative and categorical. Number of Insects Caught = One partner counted the number of insects in each pan trap by visual inspection while the other recorded. Data is quantitative and numerical. Type of Insects Caught = Beyond the visual inspection of the number of insects caught, an identification key was used to determine the types of species in each pan trap. Data is qualitative and categorical. Side Note: -The weather on this day was quite windy with high cloud cover and minimal sunshine, so insect activity was not at its highest. -Pan traps in the woodlot were given more time to sit compared to pan traps in the grassland. -Pan traps in the woodlot had more plant cover compared to pan traps in the grassland, which were exposed to light and had minimal to no plant cover.