Comparison of emergence traps of different shape and translucency in the trapping of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

•Emergence traps of different translucency and shape were compared for trapping Culicoides.•Linear mixed-effects models revealed no effect of trap shape (cone or quadratic).•Opaque traps were more efficient as compared to white (translucent) traps.•An ideal design should address the positive phototaxis of Culicoides.•Sufficient ventilation is required to reduce the risk of heat-up in traps.

Various types of emergence traps are available for investigations of the breeding habitats of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). In order to assess the potential impact of the trap design on the trapping success, we compared the efficiency of opaque and white (more translucent) emergence traps and two trap shapes (cone-shaped and quadratic), to sample Culicoides emerging from cowpats. Significantly higher numbers of Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi were trapped with opaque traps, while there was no obvious effect of the trap shape. There were no distinct differences in the microclimate among different trap types.