** Float connectors and addtitional 6-segment support poles for the SLAM trap can be purchased at discounted prices when ordering SLAM traps. Please select required items from the pull down menu.
Malaise traps are used extensively in biodiversity surveys because of their potential for catching many taxa of airborne insects. However, entomologists have to overcome several innate shortcomings of the traditional Malaise trap: complex and time-consuming assembly and disassembly; poor mobility because of difficult installation; large, open area required for set up; and high cost. These disadvantages can greatly restrict the scope and use of the Malaise trap.
MegaView is proud to announce the release of the SLAM trap -- the Sea, Land, and Air Malaise trap that floats on water, stands on the ground, and hangs in the sky.
Installation of the SLAM trap is a breath of fresh air. It is self-supported, freestanding, and is exceedingly easy to move or reposition. The trap is easily clipped to a framework of shock-corded fiberglass poles, requiring no additional support or guy ropes. The SLAM trap is so simple to erect, it will save time and effort for other important activities, especially when many traps need to be deployed. The SLAM trap is configured with cross baffles so that flying insects are collected from four sides, making wind direction and exposure to sunlight less of a concern when considering trap placement and orientation.
Improvise a flight interception trap (FIT) or window trap by placing the SLAM trap over trays or ground cloths filled with preservatives.
   
Left to right (click to enlarge): 1) click hooks to poles for quick installation;
SLAM trap as flight intercept trap with 2) ground cloth or 3) collecting trays;
4) SLAM trap raised above marsh grasses
Suspended in the air, the SLAM trap becomes an aerial Malaise trap. When dangled from trees, the SLAM trap can be elevated to any height to avoid obstacles in natural insect flyways such as high bush or grass. With necessary loops sewn on the SLAM trap, several SLAM traps can be daisy-chained to sample all habitats from ground level to canopy at the same time.
Left to right (click to enlarge): 1) SLAM trap above high grass; 2) SLAM trap above high bush;
3) SLAM trap in canopy; 4) daisy-chain of three SLAM traps
To make the SLAM trap go aquatic, four soda bottles (not included) and four float connectors (sold separately) are required. Connecting the bottles and float connectors to the SLAM trap transforms the SLAM trap into a floating Malaise trap that captures insects flying over wetlands.
   
Left to right (click to enlarge): 1) SLAM trap on a lake; 2) soda bottle & pole connected with
float connecter; 3) collecting head entrance; 4) collecting head ventilation window
This all terrain, but inexpensive, SLAM trap is made of fine Polyester fabric (96 x 26 mesh/square inch) and is the result of quality sewing work. Also included are: a mesh ventilation window on the collecting head to optimize the catch**; a removable "moth excluder" (2 x 2 mesh/square inch) at the collecting head entrance to prevent the entry of large insects such as Lepidoptera or dragonflies; and a bottom mesh to temporarily retain flying insects that drop when hitting barriers (i.e. Coleoptera). This bottom mesh can be replaced by a bottom collector (sold separately) to preserve insects in a collecting bottle.
** Insect drop-off is accelerated if Pyrethroids are applied to this ventilation window. Since all Pyrethroids are UV unstable, treatment should be repeated about once a week.
Applications of the SLAM trap are limited only by your imagination. These lightweight SLAM traps can even be hung in series from a weather balloon to find out which insects fly above the canopy.
Contents per Trap
1 SLAM Trap
2 Support Pole (7 segments)
3 Collecting Bottles (500 ml)
1 Bottom Mesh
5 Tent Pegs
Specifications
Dimensions: L100 x W100 x H120 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg (includes all accessories) or 1 kg (without pegs & bag)
Color: Black with white roof
Materials: Support Poles - Fiberglass
Materials: Collecting Bottle - Polyethylene
Materials: Tent Pegs - Iron
Materials: Carrying Bag - Polyurethane coated Polyester
Assembly
SLAM trap on land
-
Assemble poles. Make sure fiberglass ends are entirely inserted in metal joints.
-
Push ends of one pole into white pockets at opposite corners of the SLAM trap. Be careful not to over bend the poles.
-
Clip hooks around poles. Take care to maintain a gentle curve in pole.
-
Repeat Steps 2-3 with second pole and black pockets.
-
Put collecting bottle into zipped pocket on top of the SLAM trap.
-
Fasten ribbons around neck of collecting bottle.
-
Close pocket zipper to secure collecting bottle in place.
-
Remove "moth excluder" from collecting head entrance if not needed.
-
Use tent pegs to stake trap in case of wind.
-
White loops (about two-thirds up side of trap) are for cords (not included) to stake out guy lines for extra support in strong wind.
SLAM trap on water
-
Complete Steps 1-8.
-
Use built-in ribbons to tie one float connector (sold separately) to each corner of the SLAM trap. Make sure larger end faces down.
-
Remove pole ends from pockets.
-
Insert pole ends into top of float connectors.
-
Pour water into four soda bottles (not included) and screw them into bottom of float connectors. We suggest using 1.25 liter bottles and filling them about two-thirds with water. This will produce enough buoyancy to float the SLAM trap steadily on fresh water and enough mass to prevent trap from rolling over. Even so, you should test on site to see how much water is actually needed.
Note: Float connectors do not float. They will sink if dropped in water.
SLAM trap in air
-
Complete Steps 1-8.
-
Use corner ribbons to tie on bottom mesh (included) or bottom collector (sold separately).
-
Throw a rope over a tree branch.
-
Tie other end of rope around poles where they cross at top of the SLAM trap. Avoid blocking collecting head entrance.
-
A second trap can be hung from loop in center of bottom of the SLAM trap.
-
Run a line through stake loops to ensure traps have same orientation.
-
Repeat Step 14 on opposite side of trap. This will prevent them from spinning.
-
Haul trap up into air.
-
Stake down lines.
-
Lines from Steps 14 & 15 should be staked down separately.
 |
| Available Options: |
| Additional Fiberglass Pole (6 segments): |
|
| Float Connector: |
|
|
|
