We can use several methods to trap invertebrates.
By using the same methods in each of 4 different areas
(pine forest, oak forest, red maple low lands, open fields )
we can chart the findings and make comparisons.

Trapping techniques easily used are:

• Berlese funnels
• pit fall traps
• tree wraps
• cryptozoic boards (is that a nifty word or what!?...crypto means hidden)
• nets for pond sweeps

Links explaining the traps and additional useful equipment are below.

• Berlese funnels (these are cool!)
  • how to make: http://www.archbold-station.org/discoveringflscrub/unit3/unit3b1part2.html
    
    another at: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent591k/berlese.html
    
    
  • ....for teachers and adults to skim....From Fermilab education programs this lesson plan includes a clear diagram of a Berlese funnel set up, a data recording form, and some good pointers.
    
    
• pit fall trap
  • how to make: http://www.archbold-station.org/discoveringflscrub/unit3/unit3b1.html
    
    
• tree wraps are just long cloth strips folded in half along their length then wrapped around a tree. Invertebrates walk up the tree and go into the folds to hide. When you take the cloth down you dump the critters into a collecting container.
  
  
• cryptozoic boards are just boards! They can be chosen to warm up from the sun or not by selecting different materials for the board. They all make a dark protected spot for invertebrates to hang out. "Crypto" means "hidden".
  
  
• nets for pond sweeps
  • How to Make a net for water sweeps
    

• nets for foliage sweeps (like scooping through tall grass to see who is there)
  • How to make. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expltx/jrnat/equip.htm
    
    
  • These diagrams are adapted from the out of print New Field Guide of Nature Activities and Hobbies by William Hillcourt . See how to find one...it is worth getting!
    
    The fabric has to be strong, like a muslin, to put up with being whacked through the undergrowth!

• Seive
  • 
    
  • This illustration is from a great book, The New Field Guide of Nature Activities and Hobbies by William Hillcourt (no longer in print; see how to find it)
    

This seive has fabric (muslin) sides.
It can be stored in a much smaller space when not in use.