TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an ovitrap, and is particularly directed to an ovitrap configured to trap mosquitoes in the ovitrap and to allow collection of information in relation to mosquitoes trapped in the ovitrap.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Ovitraps are conventionally available and patent protection of developments in relation to ovitraps has been sought previously. One document describing such a development is United States Patent Application Publication No. US20040216366. In the Background Art section of that publication, an extremely useful description of conventional ovitraps is provided and which is exerpted below verbatim.

[0003] "An ovitrap is a small device placed at selected locations for detecting the presence of adult container-breeding mosquitoes. More specifically, the ovitrap is frequently used by mosquito control personnel to monitor container-breeding mosquitoes such as the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti.

[0004] Most ovitraps collect eggs laid by mosquitoes visiting the trap and thus do not directly collect adult mosquitoes visiting the trap. Thus, the eggs have to be hatched and the larvae reared in order to establish the identity of mosquitoes that laid eggs in the trap. Clearly, this type of arrangement suffers from an unacceptable delay in determining the type of mosquito.

[0005] It is known to provide an ovitrap which traps the mosquitoes themselves. These ovitraps are known as "sticky ovitraps". Basically, the sticky ovitrap contains a sticky adhesive to which the mosquito is stuck and which enables the mosquito to be identified.

[0006] These sticky ovitraps comprise a container having a volume typically between 500 ml-2000 ml. The container is partially filled with water. Sometimes, an attractant is added to the water. The inner and outer wall of the container should be dark and is typically either black or painted black otherwise the mosquitoes are reluctant to enter the container.

[0007] One known type of sticky ovitrap has the inner surface of the trap coated with a sticky glue down to the water level in the trap.

[0008] Another type of sticky ovitrap has a strip of thin black cardboard placed inside the trap and glue is smeared onto the cardboard strip.

[0009] In each instance, a mosquito entering into the trap can become stuck to the adhesive.

[0010] A disadvantage with the first type of known trap is that the glue is spread directly onto the black inside wall. This makes it very difficult to identify the mosquitoes both because the adhesive area cannot be removed from the trap and because it is difficult to quickly and accurately identify a mosquito body on a black background.

[0011] The second type of known trap makes an improvement by providing a removable cardboard strip. However, the cardboard strip must be painted or coloured black to encourage the mosquitoes to enter into the trap and this does not overcome the problem of accurately identifying the mosquito body on a black background. Moreover, the cardboard strip quickly degrades when wetted by water in the ovitrap, making it impractical for field application.

Spacing the cardboard strip away from the water in the ovitrap may reduce the ability to trap adult mosquitoes.

[0012] A disadvantage with each above ovitrap is that to ensure that the mosquito is instantly held by the adhesive, the adhesive must be extremely aggressive. However, this extremely sticky property makes it very difficult to quickly and easily apply the adhesive either to the inside wall of the trap or to the cardboard strip. It is also difficult to ensure the application of a uniform layer. A uniform layer of adhesive is advantageous as it facilitates easy

identification of the mosquito."

[0013] The abovementioned section also provides a good explanation of the issues with existing ovitraps. It would therefore be an advantage to provide an ovitrap that not only traps eggs but also traps the mosquitoes, which is easy to use and which in some instances, can allow a specimen collection for research purposes.

[0014] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is directed to an ovitrap, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0016] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an ovitrap including at least two component parts each of which is substantially frustum shaped, each component part having an open base and at least one entry opening laterally offset, the entry opening surrounded by a convergent portion converging toward the entry opening, each component part adapted to be attached relative to a second component part of the same configuration to form an ovitrap which is closed except for the entry openings in the respective component parts.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, an ovitrap including at least two component parts each of which is substantially frustum shaped, each component part having an open base and at least one entry opening, the entry opening surrounded by a convergent portion converging toward the entry opening, each component part adapted to be attached relative to a second component part of the same configuration to form an ovitrap which is closed except for the entry openings in the respective component parts.

[0018] The substantially frustum shaped component parts may have any number of sidewalls. It will be apparent to a person of skill in the art that a frustum shaped component part having a single sidewall is frustoconical, a frustum shaped component part having three or four sidewalls will be frustopyramidal but it is equally possible that the frustum shaped component parts may have more than four sidewalls.

[0019] Each component part will typically have an open base, the shape of which is defined by the sidewalls forming the frustum shaped component part, and an opposed frustum plane. The preferred convergent portion will typically extend from the frustum plane into the frustum shaped component part with the at least one entry opening spaced between the plane of the open base and the frustum plane. Therefore, in the preferred form, the convergent portion is invaginated relative to the component part.

[0020] The convergent portion will typically extend at an acute angle relative to the sidewall. The sidewall will preferably diverge outwardly away from the frustum plane toward the open base.

[0021] As mentioned above, each of the component parts is preferably frustum shaped. It is preferred that each component part be partially spherical with the frustum plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the open base is provided.

[0022] The open base is normally provided forming a substantially hollow component part and open base end with a convergent portion with an entry opening therein opposed to the open base. The open base is normally defined by a circumferential edge.

[0023] At least one, and generally a number of engagement portions are provided at or adjacent to the circumferential edge in order to allow one component part to engage with a second component part of substantially the same configuration. According to a particular preferred embodiment, the engagement portions provided relative to the circumferential edge of the open base will be of two types which preferably alternate about the circumference of the open base.

[0024] The first preferred type of engagement portion is preferably a substantially radially extending flange portion and this type of engagement portion is preferably alternated with the preferred second type of engagement potion, namely a substantially C-shaped receiving portion which is shaped and dimensioned to receive a radially extending flange portion of a second component part. Normally, when attaching two component parts together, the radially extending flange portions of the respective component parts will typically be aligned to abut one another and then the component parts are rotated relative to one another such that the radially extending flange portions are received into the substantially C-shaped receiving portions which are typically located immediately adjacent each flange portion. A stop will normally be provided on each of the substantially C-shaped receiving portions in order to limit rotation of the component parts relative to one another.

[0025] As mentioned above, the engagement portions are normally provided relative to the open base circumferential edge and preferably, the engagement portions will be provided radially outside the circumferential edge of the open base. The configuration of the engagement portion is preferably such that they allow a pair of component parts that are the same, to engage one another at their respective base edges to form substantially closed ovitrap when assembled except for the at least one entry opening provided in each component part.

[0026] Alternative engagement portions include a tongue and groove configuration with a circumferential tongue on one component part engaging with a circumferential groove on the other but this is less preferred as it requires two different moulds to produce the respective component parts. The engagement portions may include corresponding threaded portions on the respective component parts to engage with each other.

[0027] Each component part will preferably be made from a robust material which is relatively inexpensive such as plastic but other materials could be used. It is also preferred that each component part is substantially unitary in construction and preferably formed from a material which is of a dark colour. This will assist with ensuring that the inside of the ovitrap is dark which may attract mosquitoes.

[0028] Each component part may have a mounting assembly to allow removable location of a collection paddle relative thereto. Whilst a number of configurations could be used, two particular configurations are more preferred according to the present invention.

[0029] In a first preferred configuration, each of the component parts may preferably include one or more rib members located on an inner surface of the component part side wall. The rib members are preferably provided in order to allow removable location of a collection paddle relative thereto. Each of the rib members is preferably substantially planar. The rib members will preferably be substantially arcuate when viewed from side. The rib members will typically extend from the side wall partway into a central region of the component part. The edge of each of the rib members is preferably parallel to the side wall of the component part. The rib members preferably extend substantially perpendicularly to the sidewalk It is further preferred that the rib members are integrally formed with the remainder of the component part. It is preferred that four rib members are provided in each of the component parts but any number could be provided.

[0030] In a second preferred configuration, each of the component parts may preferably include a mounting groove into which a paddle can be received. In this configuration, the mounting groove is preferably defined by a pair of spaced apart rib members with the paddle being received in a friction or interference fit between the rib members. In this configuration, each of the rib members is preferably substantially planar. The rib members will preferably be substantially arcuate when viewed from side. The rib members will typically extend from the side wall partway into a central region of the component part. The edge of each of the rib members is preferably parallel to the side wall of the component part. The rib members preferably extend substantially perpendicularly to the sidewalk It is further preferred that the rib members are integrally formed with the remainder of the component part. In a preferred embodiment, there will be four sets of two rib members allowing for paddles to be located within each component part.

[0031] The frustum plane of each component part is preferably defined by a transition edge between the sidewall opposite the open base circumferential edge and the convergent portion surrounding the entry opening.

[0032] The shape of the ovitrap formed by a pair of component parts attached relative to one another at their open base and being substantially frustum shaped, enables the ovitrap of the present intention to self orient on any surface on the transition edge of one of the component parts with the other transition edge uppermost. This will typically expose the least one entry opening from one of the component parts whilst essentially obstructing or occluding the at least one entry opening of the other component part.

[0033] Each component part will typically include at least one entry opening which is surrounded by a convergent portion. Generally, there is one entry opening provided in each component part as this will allow entry of the mosquitoes but also minimise the possibility of the mosquitoes once they have entered, escaping from the ovitrap. The entry opening is preferably offset from the central axis of each component part. According to the preferred embodiment, each convergent portion is typically conical in shape but due to the entry opening being offset relative to the central axis of the component part, the convergent portion will normally be configured as an oblique cone with the entry opening located at the apex or instead of the apex.

[0034] The entry opening is typically spaced from the plane of the open base of the component part. The entry opening is typically oriented substantially parallel to the open base and to the preferred orientation of the frustum plane. Normally, due to the location and configuration of the entry opening relative to a component part, when respective component parts are attached to one another, the respective entry openings of the component parts are offset from one another within the ovitrap.

[0035] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each entry opening into the ovitrap is preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm in diameter will typically be approximately 5 to 7 mm in diameter.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment, a convergent assembly may be provided on each component part. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a pair of convergent portions may be provided with the entry opening in one of the convergent portions. Preferably, a first, frustoconical convergent portion may be provided extending into the component part with an opening therein. A second frustoconical portion will typically extend surrounding the opening in the first frustoconical convergent portion and extending further into the component part. The first frustoconical convergent portion will typically be quite shallow whereas the second frustoconical convergent portion will typically have much steeper sidewalls. This will typically provide a broad catchment area through the provision of the first frustoconical convergent portion and the second frustoconical convergent portion will provide an entry channel into the ovitrap. An entry opening will typically be provided in the first frustoconical portion and extend through the second frustoconical portion to allow a mosquito entry into the ovitrap. The orifice in the inner end of the second frustoconical portion will typically be between 5 to 10 mm in dimension.

[0037] In this particular embodiment, the entry opening in the first frustoconical portion need not be offset due to the small size of the orifice in the second frustoconical portion.

Therefore, in this configuration, when the ovitrap is assembled, the respective orifices of the second frustoconical portions can be aligned with one another with the small size of the orifices preventing the mosquitoes exiting.

[0038] The collection paddles provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will typically be removable from the mounting assembly relative to which they are located in the ovitrap. Preferably, the collection paddles can be secured to the rib members within the trap in a friction or interference fit. Typically, the collection paddles will extend over the height of the rib member in the component parts. According to a preferred embodiment, a collection paddles will typically be provided on all of the rib members in both component parts used to form an ovitrap such that once the component parts are properly assembled, the collection paddles in the respective components will typically align to form a number of substantially continuous collection paddles over the height of the ovitrap.

[0039] The collection paddles may be attached to the rib member in any way but preferably, each collection paddle will have an elongate receiving slot in order to receive a rib member therein. The collection paddle will typically be slightly resilient requiring some deformation of the receiving slot in order to force the paddle onto the rib member and then friction will typically hold the collection paddle on the rib member until it is forcibly removed.

[0040] Where the mounting assembly is provided in the mounting groove configuration, the collection paddle is preferably forced into the mounting groove between the pair of spaced apart rib members and friction will again typically hold the collection paddle in the mounting groove until it is forcibly removed.

[0041] The collection paddles can be made from any material.

[0042] The collection paddles may be sold or provided in sets. In a particularly preferred form, the collection paddles will be provided attached to a central rod or other type of member as the paddles themselves will typically be quite small and may be relatively easily lost. It is preferred that a number of paddles are provided attached removably to a central rod. Preferably, a frangible portion or member is provided between the paddle and the rod allowing the user to quite easily, quickly and without tools, separate the collection paddles from the central rod by manipulation of the paddles and/or rod in order to break the paddle from the central rod at the frangible portion.

[0043] An attractant may be provided on one or more of the collection paddles or elsewhere in the ovitrap is desired.

[0044] Typically, the ovitrap will be assembled from a pair of component parts attached directly to one another with collection paddles located inside. The ovitrap can then be either placed on the surface or dropped from a height, taking advantage of the self orienting shape of the ovitrap of the present invention. Once located on the surface, water can either be poured in through the entry opening by a user or if externally located, rain will enter the ovitrap through the entry opening which is upwardly facing. Any water entering the trap will pool in a lower part of the ovitrap between the sidewall in the convergent portion in the lower component portion. This forms an attractive environment for mosquitos being dark and having a pool of water. The entry opening in the lower portion will prevent the ovitrap filling up more than half way because of its position and location relative to the other of the entry openings. It can and will in some circumstances function as a drain opening.

[0045] In use, mosquitoes will typically enter the entry opening guided by the convergent portion but find it difficult to exit the ovitrap due to the provision of the entry opening in the convergent portion, and thus be trapped within the ovitrap. The mosquito will typically lay eggs in the trap which can later be removed once the ovitrap has been collected.

[0046] The ovitrap of the present invention, because of its self orienting shape, can be airdropped over large areas for research purposes and collection can be incentivised, for example by offering a financial reward for return of an ovitrap which is found.

[0047] The ovitrap of the present invention can be formed in any way using any process. It has been found that a particularly simple and relatively low-cost method of construction is 3-D printing.

[0048] During the manufacture of the ovitrap of the present invention, an attractant or pheromone may be incorporated into the material used or into the ovitrap itself during formation.

[0049] In some circumstances, it may be preferred to have the ovitrap of the present invention be biodegradable in order to minimise adverse impact on the environment if the ovitrap remain in place for extended period of time. [0050] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0051] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0053] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of an ovitrap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 is a view from above of the ovitrap illustrated in Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 3 is a partially transparent view of the ovitrap illustrated in Figure 1 showing the convergent portions and entry openings.

[0056] Figure 4 is a view from the side of the ovitrap illustrated in Figure 1 in the open condition.

[0057] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the ovitrap of preferred embodiment showing the collection paddles within the ovitrap.

[0058] Figure 6 is a top view of a component part of a preferred embodiment showing the collection paddles, convergent portion and entry opening.

[0059] Figure 7 is a detailed view of the attachment of a collection paddle and rib member of a preferred embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 is a detailed view of an assembled collection pad and rib member according to a preferred embodiment.

[0061] Figure 9 is a schematic isometric view of a collection paddle of a preferred embodiment. [0062]

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0063] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an ovitrap 10 is provided.

[0064] The ovitrap 10 of the illustrated preferred embodiment includes a pair of component parts 1 1, each of which is substantially spherically frustum shaped. Each component part 11 has an open base 12 and an entry opening 15 laterally offset. The entry opening 15 is surrounded by a convergent portion 14 converging toward the entry opening 15. Each component part 1 1 is adapted to be attached relative to a second component part 11 of the same configuration to form the ovitrap 10 which is closed except for the entry openings 15 in the respective component parts 11.

[0065] Each component part has an open base 12, the shape of which is defined by the sidewall 16 forming the frustum shaped component part 1 1, and an opposed frustum plane 13. As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the preferred convergent portion 14 extends from the frustum plane 13 into the frustum shaped component part 11 with the entry opening 15 spaced between the plane of the open base 12 and the frustum plane 13. Therefore, in the preferred form, the convergent portion 14 is invaginated relative to the component part 11.

[0066] The convergent portion 14 extends at an acute angle relative to the sidewall 16. The sidewall 16 will preferably diverge outwardly away from the frustum plane 13 toward the open base 12.

[0067] As illustrated, each component part 11 is partially spherical with the frustum plane 13 substantially parallel to the plane in which the open base 12 is provided.

[0068] The open base 12 is normally provided forming a substantially hollow component part and open base end with a convergent portion 14 with an entry opening 15 therein opposed to the open base 12. The open base i 12 s normally defined by a circumferential edge illustrated in Figures 4 and 6.

[0069] Generally a number of engagement portions are provided at or adjacent to the circumferential edge in order to allow one component part to engage with a second component part of substantially the same configuration. According to a particular preferred embodiment, the engagement portions provided relative to the circumferential edge of the open base will be of two types which preferably alternate about the circumference of the open base.

[0070] The first preferred type of engagement portion is preferably a substantially radially extending flange portion and this type of engagement portion is preferably alternated with the preferred second type of engagement potion, namely a substantially C-shaped receiving portion which is shaped and dimensioned to receive a radially extending flange portion of a second component part. Normally, when attaching two component parts together, the radially extending flange portions of the respective component parts will typically be aligned to abut one another and then the component parts are rotated relative to one another such that the radially extending flange portions are received into the substantially C-shaped receiving portions which are typically located immediately adjacent each flange portion. A stop will normally be provided on each of the substantially C-shaped receiving portions in order to limit rotation of the component parts relative to one another.

[0071] As mentioned above, the engagement portions are normally provided relative to the open base circumferential edge and preferably, the engagement portions will be provided radially outside the circumferential edge of the open base. The configuration of the engagement portion is preferably such that they allow a pair of component parts that are the same, to engage one another at their respective base edges to form substantially closed ovitrap when assembled except for the at least one entry opening provided in each component part.

[0072] Each component part 1 1 is preferably made from a dark plastic material. This will assist with ensuring that the inside of the ovitrap is dark which may attract mosquitoes. Each component part 11 is substantially unitary in construction.

[0073] The frustum plane 13 of each component part 11 is preferably defined by a transition edge 17 between the sidewall 16 and the convergent portion 14 surrounding the entry opening 15, at an end of the component part 11 opposite to the open base circumferential edge 18.

[0074] The shape of the ovitrap 10 formed by a pair of component parts 11 attached relative to one another at their open base 12 and being substantially frustum shaped, enables the ovitrap 10 to self orient on any surface on the transition edge 17 of one of the component parts 1 1 with the other transition edge 17 uppermost. This will expose one entry opening 15 from one of the component parts 11 whilst essentially obstructing or occluding the entry opening 15 of the other component part 11.

[0075] As illustrated, there is only one entry opening 15 provided in each component part 11 as this will allow entry of the mosquitoes but also minimise the possibility of the mosquitoes once they have entered, escaping from the ovitrap. The entry opening 15 in each component is offset from the central axis of each component part and is offset from the other entry opening 15.

[0076] According to the illustrated embodiment, each convergent portion 14 is typically configured as an oblique cone with the entry opening 15 located at the apex or instead of the apex.

[0077] The entry opening 15 is typically spaced from the plane of the open base 12 of the component part 11. The entry opening 15 is typically oriented substantially parallel to the open base 12and to the preferred orientation of the frustum plane 13. Normally, due to the location and configuration of the entry opening 15 relative to a component part 11, when respective component parts 11 are attached to one another, the respective entry openings of the component parts are offset from one another within the ovitrap as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5.

[0078] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each entry opening into the ovitrap is preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm in diameter will typically be approximately 5 to 7 mm in diameter.

[0079] Each of the component parts 11 will also preferably include a number of rib members 19 located on an inner surface of the component part side wall 16. The rib members 19 of the preferred embodiment are provided in order to allow removable location of a collection paddle 20 relative thereto. Each of the rib members 19 is preferably substantially planar and substantially arcuate when viewed from side. The rib members 19 extend from the side wall 16 partway into a central region of the component part. The rib members 19 preferably extend substantially perpendicularly to the sidewall 16 as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8. It is further preferred that the rib members are integrally formed with the remainder of the component part.

[0080] The collection paddles 20 provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are removable from the rib members 19 relative to which they are located in the ovitrap 10. The collection paddles 20 are secured to the rib members 19 within the ovitrap of the illustrated embodiment in a friction or interference fit. As illustrated in Figure 5, the collection paddles 20 normally extend over the height of the rib member 19 in the component parts 1 1.

[0081] The collection paddles 20 preferably have an elongate receiving slot 21 as illustrated in Figure 9 in order to receive a rib member 19 therein as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The collection paddle 20 will typically be slightly resilient requiring some deformation of the receiving slot 21 in order to force the paddle 20 onto the rib member 19 and then friction will typically hold the collection paddle 20 on the rib member 19 until it is forcibly removed.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 22, a pair of component parts 1 1 similar to those of the previous embodiments is provided, but each with a threaded portion on each to allow the component parts to be screwed together. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper component part is internally threaded 23 and the lower is externally threaded 24.

[0083] A convergent assembly is provided on each component part of this embodiment which is conceptually similar to the previous embodiments, but without an offset entry opening. According to this preferred embodiment, a pair of convergent portions is provided with the entry opening in one of the convergent portions. A first, frustoconical convergent portion 25 is provided extending into the component part 1 1 with an entry opening 15 therein. A second frustoconical portion 26 extends surrounding the entry opening 15 in the first frustoconical convergent portion 25 and extending further into the component part 1 1.

[0084] As illustrated in Figure 17, the first frustoconical convergent portion 25 is quite shallow whereas the second frustoconical convergent portion 26 has much steeper sidewalls. This will typically provide a broad catchment area through the provision of the first frustoconical convergent portion and the second frustoconical convergent portion will provide an entry channel into the ovitrap. The entry opening 15 provided in the first frustoconical portion 25 extends through the second frustoconical portion 26 to allow a mosquito entry into the ovitrap 10. The orifice at the inner end of the second frustoconical portion 26 is between 5 to 10 mm in dimension.

[0085] In this particular embodiment as illustrated in Figures 10 to 22, the entry opening 15 in the first frustoconical portion 25 is not offset due to the small size of the orifice in the second frustoconical portion 26. Therefore, in this configuration, when the ovitrap is assembled, the respective orifices of the second frustoconical portions 26 are aligned with one another with the small size of the orifices preventing the mosquitoes exiting.

[0086] Each of the component parts 11 includes a mounting groove into which a collection paddle 20 can be received. In this configuration, the mounting groove is defined by a pair of spaced apart ribs 27 with the paddle 20 being received in a friction or interference fit between the ribs 27. In this configuration, each of the ribs 27 is substantially planar and arcuate when viewed from side as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 in particular. The ribs 27 extend from the side wall partway into a central region of the component part 11. The ribs 27 extend substantially perpendicularly to the sidewall as illustrated in Figure 12 and are integrally formed with the remainder of the component part 1 1. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four sets of two rib members allowing for paddles to be located within each component part.

[0087] In this configuration, the collection paddle 20 is preferably forced into the mounting groove between the pair of spaced apart ribs 27 and friction holds the collection paddle 20 in the mounting groove until it is forcibly removed as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

[0088] In the preferred form illustrated in Figure 14, the collection paddles 20 are provided attached to a central rod 28 as the paddles 20 themselves arer quite small and may be relatively easily lost. A number of paddles 20 are provided attached removably to a central rod 28. A frangible portion 29 is provided between the paddle 20 and the rod 28 allowing the user to quite easily, quickly and without tools, separate the collection paddles 20 from the central rod 28 by manipulation of the paddles 20 and/or rod 28 in order to break the paddle 20 from the central rod 28 at the frangible portion 29.

[0089] As illustrated in Figures 20 to 22, the ovitrap 10 is assembled from a pair of component parts attached directly to one another with collection paddles located inside. The ovitrap can then be either placed on the surface or dropped from a height, taking advantage of the self-orienting shape of the ovitrap as illustrated in Figure 21. Once located on the surface, water can either be poured in through the entry opening by a user or if externally located, rain will enter the ovitrap through the entry opening which is upwardly facing. Any water entering the trap will pool in a lower part of the ovitrap between the sidewall in the convergent portion in the lower component portion. This forms an attractive environment for mosquitos being dark and having a pool of water. The entry opening in the lower portion will prevent the ovitrap filling up more than half way because of its position and location relative to the other of the entry openings. It can and will in some circumstances function as a drain opening. In Figure 21, the ovitrap is in the normal use condition and in Figure 22, the ovitrap is illustrated in an unusual position but the water level 31 is still such that the ovitrap can function.

[0090] In use, mosquitoes will typically enter the entry opening guided by the convergent portion as illustrated in Figure 20 but find it difficult to exit the ovitrap due to the provision of the entry opening in the convergent portion, and thus be trapped within the ovitrap. The mosquito will typically lay eggs 30 in the trap, preferably on the collection paddles 20 which can later be removed once the ovitrap has been collected.

[0091] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0092] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.