Next generation insect light traps: The use of led light technology in sampling emerging aquatic macroinvertebrates

LED lights were trialled as a replacement for traditional fluorescent bulbs for catching emerging aquatic macroinvertebrates. Initial trials with white LEDs were disappointing, with the catch amounting to chance contact with the trap, but when ultraviolet LEDs were used, there was no significant difference from the traditional fluorescent trap of the same design. While the fluorescent trap used most or all of the available battery power, the LED lights used less than 10% of the available power. It is suggested that LEDs can be used to replace the more powerdemanding traditional lights for use in light traps.