Make a pitfall trap

A great way to catch live bugs is to make a simple pitfall trap.

• A small cup (a yoghurt pot also works)
• Somewhere to dig a hole
• Something to cover the top of your cup (in case it rains!)
• Small pebbles/sticks to balance the cover on

• Dig a hole big enough to fit your cup.
• Make the edge of the cup flush with the ground surface.
• Place pebbles or sticks round the outside and balance the cover on top.
• Leave your trap for a few hours, or overnight if you like.
• Make sure to check it in the morning.
• Check your trap. What bugs are in it?
• Remember to set the bugs free afterwards.

If you want to study your bugs more closely, tip them gently into a glass jar with muslin fixed over the top using a rubber band. You can take a photo of your bugs or draw a picture. Try moving your trap to a different location and see if you catch anything different! 

Woodland dor beetle.

Find out more about different types of bugs in our bug characteristic guide.