Four-sided interception for ground and single-trap canopy work
The large SLAM trap (Sea, Land & Air Malaise trap) is a modular flight interception trap for ground and aerial deployments. Cross baffles collect from four directions to reduce orientation bias. This large model is not for an aquatic setup and ships without a bottom collector; canopy suspension is feasible but, due to size/weight, is typically limited to a single trap per setup. The design is patented.
Field Application: Long-term monitoring in the Azores (“SLAM Project”) deploys standardized SLAM traps across multiple islands and forest types to track arthropod communities through time, using fixed service schedules for comparable catches. Project data-paper.
Detailed Description
In open habitats, deploy the large SLAM trap on level ground; stabilize with guy ropes and stakes as needed so all panels remain vertical and unobstructed. For canopy applications, plan single-trap lifts (one unit per hoist) and record suspension height/stratum in the field log.
Window-trap (FIT) use on ground: Although this model does not include a bottom collector, you may operate it as a FIT by placing trays or ground cloth with preservative beneath the central crossing to capture taxa that drop after impact (e.g., Coleoptera). Keep the area under the panels clear to maintain airflow.
Major components are modular for serviceability. The collection head is molded from solid polycarbonate with closed-by-default ventilation ports and a removable moth excluder (1 × 1 cm grid) to discourage larger Lepidoptera and reduce wing-scale contamination. Replaceable fabric body and shock-corded poles minimize downtime.
Functional Advantages
- Four-sided interception: Cross baffles collect from all directions, reducing orientation bias and simplifying placement.
- Large-format coverage: Greater panel area increases encounter rates in open habitats.
- Window-trap setup: Bottom collector not supplied; ground-level FIT setup is possible with user-provided trays/ground cloth.
- Canopy deployment: Practical for a single suspended unit per site due to size/weight.
- Modular service: Replaceable fabric body, collection head, and poles extend service life.
Authenticity: The Large SLAM Trap is an original, field-proven design. Copies may exist, but only BugDorm Large SLAM Trap meets strict materials, mesh, and dimensional specs for repeatable studies and cross-site comparability.
Field Notes
- Placement: Choose open corridors (edges, gaps, trails); keep vegetation from touching panels.
- Stability: Use at least two guy ropes; add more in wind. Re-tension after storms or heavy catches.
- Orientation log: Record compass bearing of one baffle, plus sun position and wind direction at setup and each service.
- FIT on ground: Level trays/ground cloth; top up preservative; check splash/overflow after rain.
- Canopy notes: Use robust anchor points and a haul system rated for the load; log suspension height and stratum.
- Specimen handling: Label bottles with trap ID, date/time, and preservative.
- Servicing: Replace/empty bottles on a fixed schedule (e.g., weekly), adjusting for temperature and catch volume.
Field Checklist
Before You Leave the Site
- Select level, open site; keep panels clear of vegetation.
- Assemble shock-corded poles; verify all clips; add guy ropes (min. two).
- Record compass bearing, sun position, and wind direction.
- Seat collection head(s) correctly; keep intakes upright and unobstructed.
- Decide ventilation-port status (closed by default); note in field log.
- Install moth excluder(s) if needed (1 × 1 cm grid).
- Fill bottles to equal levels; label with trap ID, date/time, preservative; for canopy note height/stratum.
- For FIT use on ground: place trays/ground cloth; add preservative; check level/stability.
- Set service schedule (e.g., weekly); re-tension lines after wind or heavy catches.
ℹ︎ Disclaimer: Field Notes & Checklist provide practical guidance and examples. Procedures should be adapted to site conditions, study objectives, and institutional protocols. Users are responsible for safe deployment and compliance with local regulations.
Pack Contents
- 1 × Fabric Trap Body
- 2 × Shock-corded Poles (L459 cm)
- 1 × Collection Head (pre-installed)
- 3 × Collection Bottles (1 pre-installed)
- 4 × Guy Ropes
- 4 × Plastic X-Stakes
- 5 × Alloy Pin Stakes
- 1 × Carrying Bag
Prepare extra guy ropes and stakes as needed. Replacement parts are listed under the Parts tab.
