Pooter

A pooter uses suction to collect small invertebrates without harming them.

A pooter consists of a collection vessel (often a plastic or glass jar) with a tight fitting lid. The lid has two holes in it and a tube inserted into each hole. One tube has a fine mesh over the end inside the jar.

The entomologist sucks on the open end of the tube that has the mesh at the other end. At the same time the end of the second tube is aimed at an invertebrate. The suction draws the invertebrate down the second tube and in to the collection vessel. The fine mesh on one tube prevents the entomologist swallowing any invertebrates.

An illustration of a pooter.
Illustration by Alexei Kouprianov licensed under Creative Commons.

Other names for (or types of) Pooter include:

• Aspirator

Related terms

• Beating tray
• Butterfly net
• Clap-net
• Entomologist
• Pond net
• Sweep net

Related groups of terms

• Equipment

Related pages on this web site

• Make a pooter

See other words beginning with P