Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Attracting Tabanids
Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-09-2009 09:53
#1
I have taken the advice of Tony T and others and bought a black car. Obviously the primary consideration was the number of Tabanids I could attract just by parking up and leaving the windows open.
Posted by andrzej grzywacz on 16-09-2009 09:58
#2
:) great car, outstanding :D
Edited by andrzej grzywacz on 16-09-2009 09:58
Posted by Roger Thomason on 16-09-2009 11:06
#3
Hope it comes with a starting handle...bugger of a thing to jump start on the flat.
Posted by Gordon on 21-09-2009 09:54
#4
Actually my antique Vauxhall (Opal) Kadett is bluey-green and it attracts Tabanids very well, as does the white Lada Niva I sometimes have use of, are you sure colour is significant, I thought they just loved machinery.:)
Posted by Susan R Walter on 02-02-2010 11:21
#5
Gordon: I believe someone has done a study and worked out the most attractive colours. Stubbs talks about it in British Soldierflies. I would assume dark cars are generally better, as they are warmer.
Roger: There's a plate over the hole for inserting the starting handle as using it is a great way to break your wrist. You can't push start them either - ruins the gearbox. The dynamo died soon after we bought it and it now has a 6V alternator. In the cold we use a battery booster and a bit of fuel spray stuff, but it is remarkably reliable. Started better than our 12 year old Renault after we'd been away at Christmas time.