A pitfall trap is a trapping pit for small animals, such as insects, amphibians and reptiles. Pitfall traps are a sampling technique, mainly used for ecology studies and ecologic pest control. Animals that enter a pitfall trap are unable to escape.

What is a pit fall trap used for?

A pitfall trap is a simple device used to catch small animals - particularly insects and other invertebrates - that spend most of their time on the ground. In its most basic form, it consists of a container buried so that its top is level with the surface of the ground. Any creatures that wander nearby may fall in.

How does a pit fall trap work?

Pitfall traps usually consist of a beaker that is buried so that the lip of the beaker is level with the ground surface. The trap is then left and the entomologist returns to it at a later date to inspect 'the catch'. Insects reaching the lip of the beaker slip and fall in and are then unable to climb back out.