Trees & Invertebrates Identification

1) Select a tree to inspect for invertebrates

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2) One person uses Epicollect on the tablet to start taking photos and recording the relevant information about the tree and location, while the other person takes the air temperature, humidity and circumference of the tree, and fills out the top portion of the data sheet.

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  3) Use the tree field guides to identify the tree type. If you are unsure of the type of tree, record it as "unknown"

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  4) Collect a leaf from the tree and label a piece of paper with the following and put both the leaf and paper between the cardboard for pressing:

• Field Number

• Date

• Initials

• Tree type

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5) Once the top of the data sheet and Epicollect are filled out, take out all the invertebrate collection materials( petri dishes, paint brushes, tweezers, viewing containers, masking tape, and sharpies--prior to inspecting tree for invertebrates.(You want to make sure you have these ready so you're able to collect invertebrates as you find them!)

 

 6) Collect data on insects that aren't being collected and write the information on data sheet. ex.( if there are multiple ants and you only collect one write the number collected and the number seen)

 

 7) Open the umbrella and hold it upside down directly under a branch that has~20-100 leafs on it.

 

 8) Use the dowel rod to whack the branch strongly enough to knock off invertebrates, but not so strongly that twigs and leafs are damaged.

 

 9) The branch should be whacked or shook exactly 10 times and hold the umbrella in one place during all 10 whacks. This should be done in at least two to three different spots for about two to three times.

 

10) Spend at least one minute looking for invertebrates that had fallen into the umbrella- bugs that are small, or pale, or look like debris may not be obvious at first glance, especially if you are in the poor light.

 

11) Be aware that some insects may be knocked into your umbrella very briefly but will then fly away, Try to identify and count any arthropods that might fly away first (e.g., flies, moths, beetles) before collecting and counting the sedentary ones.

 

12) When an invertebrates is located, capture it using a petri dish. Paint brushes and tweezers can be used to get smaller invertebrates. COLLECT ONLY ONE of each invertebrate type on the data sheet.

 

13) Use the masking tape to tape each petri dish shut. Put tape around the edges of the petri dish

 

14) Label the tape with the following information:

• Field Number

• Date

• Initials

• Invertebrate type ( if known )

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15) Lastly, visually inspecting the bark, branches, and leafs of the tree for any additional invertebrates

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16) Once you head back inside be sure to set your inverts to freeze for 24 hours

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17) For the following day take your inverts and begin identifying the different types of inverts you have collected the day before

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18) Begin to gently place the invert inside the vial

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19) Label the piece of small paper to let everyone know when and where you got it

• Field Number

• Date coll

• Initials

• Invert type

• Tree coll by

 

20) If there are any invertebrates that are very large those would be best for pinning.