From 1984 to 1986 tests were conducted to evaluate 4 trap types (ABADRL baffle trap, New Jersey trap, CDC trap, and updraft trap) with or without an incandescent light source, a suction fan or dry ice (as a source of CO2) for sampling adult Culicoides variipennis. The fewest flies were caught in the CDC and updraft traps. The New Jersey trap with suction, a strong light source and dry ice caught most flies, due to a significant increase in nulliparous females. The same New Jersey trap without dry ice caught the highest proportion of flies that had taken at least one bloodmeal. This trap would therefore be recommended for use in trapping for virus assay under epizootic conditions.