Evaluation of efficacy of bowl traps (bluish and yellowish) in collection of cash crop pollinators (Order: Hymenoptera) from irrigated areas of district Bhakkar and Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan

Extensive surveys were carried out during 2015-2016 in irrigated areas of District Bhakkar and Layyah. The main purpose of the research was to estimate the efficiency of bluish and yellowish bowl traps for the collection of hymenopteran insects. Bowl traps containing detergent were used and neither attractants nor pheromones were used. Eight hotspots were selected from each respective district and each hotspot was further divided into four replicates and insects were collected from each hotspot. Andrena, Nomia and Halictus bees were highly attracted towards the bluish and yellowish bowls while Apis, Lasioglossum, Megachila, Osmia bees, and Polistes and Campsomeriella wasps were not. The mustard crop in District Bhakkar, yellowish bowl contained Andrena (24/ sample) while Campsomeriella (5/ sample) in bluish bowls. Yellowish bowls were highly efficient in collection of hymenopteran pollinators than bluish bowls.