Introduction 7 



itself consists of a cone of sheet metal open at each end. The large 

 opening should be about one foot in diameter while the small opening 

 should not be greater than an inch in diameter. Such a cone should 

 have an over-all length of eighteen inches. Three legs should be fas- 

 tened to the cone so that it will stand upright with the small opening 

 at the bottom. The legs should be sufficiently long so that a jar can be 

 placed under the small opening. It is helpful to solder a metal screw 



Figure 3 A battery of Berlese funnels in use at Duke University. In the fore- 

 ground are small funnels that are used to collect ectoparasitic mites. Two of 

 them are in operation. The hosts are placed in small cages and the parasites are 

 recovered from the water beneath the funnel. In the background are large fun- 

 nels used to collect mites from debris. Notice the lights above each funnel for 

 desiccating the material. (Photo Duke University by Whitley) 



cap to the cone at the lower end so that the collecting jar can be 

 screwed into place. This reduces the chances of contamination of the 

 collection from outside sources and prevents the escape of animals in 

 the sample. A cover for the large upper opening should be made and 

 fitted with an electric light bulb. Reflectors made to fit light sockets 

 make exceflent covers. Larger or smaller funnels may be found more 

 useful for special purposes. 



