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How To Attract An Entomologist


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[the following is a modified repost from PhotoSynthesis, 2009]


Step 1. Locate a suitable patch of forest, field, or desert.

Step 2. Wait for a warm, moonless summer night.

Step 3. Using a long extension cord, plug in a blacklight. Or even better, a mercury-vapor lamp.

Step 4. Sit back and watch your prey arrive.*

*disclaimer. This technique works generally for most entomologists, but if your needs are more specific, you will wish to employ more specialized methods. Forensic entomologists prefer roadkill, for example.

Alex WildAbout the Author: Alex Wild is an Illinois-based entomologist who studies the evolutionary history of ants. In 2003 he founded a photography business as an aesthetic complement to his scientific work, and his natural history photographs appear in numerous museums, books, and media outlets. Follow on Twitter @myrmecos.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.





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  1. 1. TheBugGeek 9:45 am 12/6/2011

    LOL, we ARE an easy bunch to snag at light traps! I love that mayfly shot, it looks ethereal with that lighting!

    Link to this
  2. 2. TomSay 7:22 am 12/7/2011

    Beer works as well.

    Link to this
  3. 3. mothweek 9:22 am 12/20/2011

    Love it! and I know the method works!
    you can also use it to attract moths, especially during National Moth Week. Check out this new cool project at http://www.nationalmothweek.org

    Link to this

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