Beating tray

Definition

A tool used in entomology for collecting insects from vegetation. It consists of a large, usually white, cloth or tray that is held beneath a plant while the plant is beaten or shaken to dislodge insects onto the tray.

Etymology

Derived from 'beating', referring to the action of striking or shaking vegetation, and 'tray', referring to the receptacle used to collect specimens.

Example

The entomologist used a beating tray to survey the insect fauna in the dense shrubbery.

Synonyms

• Beat sheet

Related Terms

• Sweep net
• Insect collection
• Fieldwork

Usage Notes

Beating trays are particularly useful for collecting insects that reside on or are loosely attached to plants. The method is often used in conjunction with other collection techniques to get a comprehensive sample of insect populations.