Malaise trap

Malaise traps, named after the Swedish entomologist René Malaise (1892 - 1978), are used to catch insects that fall during their flight in the lower ( dark ) area of the trap. In most cases, the animals try to avoid upward ( the light or the white substance contrary ) and thus reach a fishing vessel. In it are usually killed the animals, which also takes place simultaneously preserving for the use of high-proof alcohol.

On the placement of traps in the area, make very often decide but only a few meters above success or failure. Generally one can say that edge structures, such as forest edges achieve a greater success. In addition, the orientation to the sun is important to note because many insects fly towards the light.

Malaise traps are automatic traps and not select. Therefore, this may only controls are used and must be serviced regularly. In Germany, their use by the authorities must be approved.

Thanks to the extensive use of these traps, especially in exotic countries, very large collections have been created in recent years, which have a great importance for the entomology. Problem, however, is the occasional lack of processing of the catch. Only when the material was sorted at least to the level of order, the relevant specialists with the further provision may be charged. These works are very expensive and require a correspondingly well-trained biological-technical assistants and taxonomist. Particularly in North America ( United States, Canada), Malaise traps and very popular thanks to their use can be found there today the world's largest scientific collections of insects.