Tullgren funnel

A Tullgren funnel is an ordinary funnel into which a handful of soil or leaf litter (often this leaf litter is supported by a layer of mesh) is placed. The funnel is placed above a jam jar or other collecting vessel with slippery sides and with a piece of slightly moist tissue paper placed at the bottom of the jar.

A light is then positioned so that it shines on the substrate within the funnel. Over a period of a few hours the insects, mites and other invertebrates present gradually work their way down, moving away from the source of light and heat, and fall into the jar where they can be examined.

An illustration of a Tullgren funnel.

Related terms

• Pseudoscorpion

Related groups of terms

• Equipment

Related pages on this web site

• Apterygota

See other words beginning with T