The effect of flytrap site on catches in Lucitrap (R) flytraps in a cool temperate climate

Flies were trapped on six Tasmanian sheep properties using Lucitraps®. Traps were emptied every 4-6 weeks for 6 months, the trapped population then being sorted and counted. Features contributing to variation in Lucilia cuprina catches between traps were analysed by multiple linear regression. Traps located near shelter (<50m) caught more flies than traps away from shelter but traps close to gum trees (<50m) caught less flies than traps in the open (>50m). Traps near water (<50m) trapped significantly more flies than those away from water. Traps fixed to posts caught a significantly higher number of L. cuprina than those which were attached to another structure (usually gum trees). This may be due to a repellent effect of Eucalyptus spp. or to increased predation of the trapped flies.