Trapping Sal Larvae

[thera]

Any tips on trapping sal larvae? Please give details if you've done it before. This is for a summer research project at the school.

 

[nimbus2]

Minnow traps work best, no need to bait them either really. I've caught Ambystoma larvae, sirens, Necturus, and adult Notophthalmus using them.

 

[thera]

how about seining?

 

[thera]

Oops. Forgot. I don't just want to catch SOME larvae. I needs lots. It's a biological survey. I need as many as possible. (to be released post survey of coarse)

 

[nimbus2]

Seining can be difficult depending on pond depth and bottom debris. If the pond is shallow enough, get in there with some chest-waders and a net.

 

[al]

Does sampling require you catch lots? I thought sampling is done according to your method and caculated increase or decline in comparison to what ever you're measuring.
You could do samplings with just a dip net. Have a method (1 swipe covers 2-3 ft. of pond bottom with leaf matter), then count larva. keep them in a bucket, then do another area of the pond. Do so many "swipes" per square yards of pond (length x width x depth).
Try to pick the method that is reproducable (with less varience or error) and is less labor intensive.
It also depends on what your measuring. Season to season population changes with in ponds versus geographical analysis between ponds.
BTW...I envy you

I wish I was back in school!!! Sludging through ponds

...actually researching the very thing I enjoy (hobby).
Thera what ever you decide to do, take pics and have a blast!

Keep us posted too (after you publish of course). It's sounds very interesting.

Al

 

[thera]

Oh not only will there be photos, there will be a CC article on my research.

I only have some seining nets and minnow traps right now available to me. And a canoe.