Effectiveness of entomological D-type nets and bait traps for aquatic entomofauna associated with temporary ponds

• Ana Atencio-Paz Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Experimental Faculty of Sciences, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
• Ninoska Villa Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Experimental Faculty of Sciences, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
• , Alfredo D. Briceño-Santos Ramón de Jesús Acosta Taxidermy and Anatomical Preparations Laboratory of the Biological Research Center Faculty of Humanities and Education, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17981065

Keywords: efficiency, capture, aquatic insects, temporary environments

Abstract

This preliminary study established the effectiveness of D-type entomological nets and bait traps for capturing aquatic entomofauna associated with temporary pools in urban areas of the Science and Health campus of the University of Zulia, Venezuela. Given the limited local information on sampling methods in these ephemeral habitats, the project sought to taxonomically identify aquatic insects to the order level, calculate their richness, and compare the effectiveness of both methods. To this end, sampling was carried out at two sites during June 2025, using three replicates with D-type nets and placing traps baited with tuna. In total, 1,302 individuals were collected, distributed across five orders and 24 morphospecies. The entomological net captured a greater number of specimens (92.79%), especially dipteran larvae, odonate nymphs, and mayflies, while the traps showed greater abundance (20 morphospecies) and diversity, with coleoptera and hemiptera predominating. No statistically significant differences in overall effectiveness were observed, highlighting the importance of combining both methods for a more complete inventory. Thus, it is concluded that these pools represent suitable environments for methodological testing and that the combined use of D-type nets and bait traps optimizes the capture of aquatic entomological diversity. The study provides a crucial methodological reference for future research in aquatic entomology in urban areas of Venezuela.

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