Spatial distribution, sampling efficiency and Taylor's power law: 3. Density‐dependent efficiency in emerald ash borer sampling schemes

Abstract Data of emerald ash borer caught in six trapping systems at 16 site‐years were compared to assess their relative sampling efficiency. One sample scheme was chosen against which the other five were compared, and their relative efficiencies estimated. Recommendations for the use of the emerald ash borer samplers were made based on the relative efficiency analysis results. Two sampling schemes were found to have density‐dependent efficiency relative to the other four schemes and are most sensitive at low population densities, therefore, making them most useful for detection. Of the other four schemes, two are sufficiently more efficient to be recommended for monitoring established populations. The results of a global Taylor power law (TPL) analysis of the sample data suggest a loss of information of density‐dependent sampling efficiency by TPL when its parameter is b = 2. This limits the use of TPL to evaluate the sampling efficiency of insect samplers.