Beating tray

A beating tray consists of a pale coloured cloth that is usually stretched out using a frame. The frame is then held under a tree or shrub and the foliage is then shaken. Invertebrates fall from the foliage and land on the cloth. They can then be examined or collected using a pooter.

A low cost beating tray can be made by simply placing a white sheet under a bush.

An illustration of a beating tray being held under a branch to collect insects when the branch is shaken.

Related terms

• Arboreal
• Butterfly net
• Clap-net
• Insect suction sampler
• Malaise trap
• Moth trap
• Pitfall trap
• Pond net
• Pooter
• Sugaring
• Sweep net
• Wine rope

Related groups of terms

• Equipment

Related pages on this web site

• Make a pooter

See other words beginning with B