Novel reusable canopy trap for sampling arboreal populations of electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Here we describe and test a novel canopy trap design for catching the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, known as the electric ant in Australia, as part of the National Electric Ant Eradication Program (the program) in North Queensland. As W. auropunctata is known to nest and forage both on the ground and in tree canopies, an effective arboreal trap to monitor their presence is a critical management tool. Our trap design addresses known issues with arboreal sampling such as sample retention, weather and debris proofing, robustness and canopy access. The trap is cost effective and friendlier to the environment compared with single-use traps, due to its reusability and recyclable or biodegradable components. Field testing carried out in the Cairns region demonstrated that the canopy trap successfully collected ants with minimal non-ant bycatch. In a known W. auropunctata-infested area, the canopy trap recorded an 88% sensitivity rate and continues to be used as a surveillance tool within the program. Additional research is required to further evaluate the sensitivity of the canopy trap for monitoring W. auropunctata populations. We believe that the trap has potentially wider applications for arboreal arthropod sampling and can be modified to suit.