6 A carology 



Mites will frequently adhere to flannel that is dragged past them. 

 This method is particularly useful for collecting unattached ticks. The 

 usual tick drag (Figure 2) is one yard square. It is made of flannel and 

 its anterior end is tacked to a stick one yard long. A rope of convenient 

 length is tied to the ends of the stick and the collector then pulls the 

 drag slowly over the area to be investigated. At intervals the cloth is 

 examined and the specimens removed with forceps or fingers. 



Figure 2 A tick drag in operation. 



By far the most efficient method of collecting terrestrial mites is that 

 of bringing the environment into the laboratory for study. Number 5 

 paper bags are useful. The environment' to be studied is placed in a 

 bag; the top of the bag is then twisted and sealed with a rubber band. 

 When very moist material such as damp moss is collected, oilsilk or 

 rubberized cloth bags should be used. Once in the laboratory the ma- 

 terial can be examined with the aid of a dissecting microscope or it can 

 be run through a modified Berlese funnel. 



The modified Berlese funnel is the most useful tool available for 

 separating mites and small insects from the debris in which they are 

 found. Berlese funnels of many types have been designed (Figure 3). 

 A suitable one for general collecting can be made simply. The funnel 



