Abundance and #RTU’s of Insects Captured in Sweep Net along a 20 Meter Length in Grassland Area

The objective of this lab was to determine the total number of insects and number of different species (#RTU’s) caught along a specified area by using a sweep net. Methods: A transect was laid in a grassland region, measuring a total distance of 20 meters. A sweep net was used to catch any insects along the transect line. The experimenter walked at slow to normal pace along the 20 meter line, vigorously moving the sweep net back and forth in a horizontal “8” formation at stomach-chest height. At the end of the 20 meter walk, the net was quickly held shut to prevent any insects from escaping. While still holding the net shut, the total number of individuals caught was counted and recorded. The number of individuals were grouped into number of different species (#RTU’s) and recorded. When all the needed data was collected, the caught species were allowed to escape. At the beginning of each new trial, the transect was placed into a new, undisturbed location. This was done to ensure that the experimenter’s activity from the previous trial did not interfere with the new trial’s results. This entire process was performed for a total of 10 times (n=10). All the data collected was recorded in a chart. This experiment was conducted by Hannan Fayyaz, Gopaul Parbatie, Albert Lin and Gajamugan Rajavarothayan on Thursday Obtober 1st-2015 during the lab hours of 2:30pm-5:30pm on a grassland region located on Keele Campus of York University