Quantifying captures from insect pest trap networks

Authors: Manoukis, Nicholas

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/5/2022
Publication Date: 4/26/2023
Citation: Manoukis, N. 2023. Quantifying captures from insect pest trap networks. In: Fountain, M., Pope, T., editors. Advances in Monitoring of Native and Invasive Insect Pests of Crops. 1st Edition. Cambridge, UK: Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Ltd. p. 91-116. https://doi.org/10.19103/AS.2022.0113.02.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.19103/AS.2022.0113.02

Interpretive Summary: This chapter describes methods to calculate the probability of capturing a target insect in a set of insect traps, with a special focus on a computational method implemented in the software "TrapGrid". Such information can be extremely helpful to program managers and others designing trap arrays for surveillance against invasive insects or for other goals. Background on trapping and the mathematics behind TrapGrid is given as well as worked examples to help potential users of TrapGrid simulate their own systems.

Technical Abstract: In this chapter I present a high-level overview of the goals of trap networks, some examples and details for the case of Tephritid fruit flies, and then a detailed description of the TrapGrid model. TrapGrid can be used to quantify the probability of capturing insects instantaneously or over time using a function that relates distance from a given trap to probability of capture and two models of insect dispersal. I give a brief description of other modeling approaches to these questions, some of which have seen application outside of research. I then describe applications of TrapGrid, including to determine trap attraction (the parameter ' in the model) and on a way to compare alternative trap layouts on a landscape scale. Finally, in the practicum, an example is worked on how to compare two alternative trapping layouts in a 1 km2 area via quantification of capture probability instantaneously and over 30d. There remain other, as yet undescribed, applications of TrapGrid and similar models to improve insect pest monitoring, surveillance, and control. This chapter can serve as a useful starting point to others interested in these potential applications or in practical problems they face.