A Method for obtaining Samples of the Population of Collembola (Symphypleona) in Pastures

Extract

In our investigations on Smynthurus viridis, L., a study has been made of the population of this species, in an area of lucerne, at intervals of three and four days throughout the season.

The density of the population of the species in a favourable pasture is markedly affected by the relative abundance of certain food-plants, especially leguminous species and particularly clovers such as subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and lucerne (Medicago sativa).

The activity of the insect is intimately associated with the moisture of its environment, and the moisture content of the surface soil is one of the most important factors affecting the environmental conditions.

Considering the habits of the insect, it was felt that the sweeping method would not give a reliable record of the total population in a given area of pasture. A sample obtained by sweeping with a net does not include individuals on or near to the surface of the soil. The relative proportion of individuals situated on or near the soil surface and those situated further up the plants varies considerably from time to time, according to the meteorological conditions, the growth of the herbage and the moisture content of the surface soil. It was necessary therefore to devise a simple method by means of which a more accurate record of the total population in a given area could be obtained.