A Comparison of Specimen Extraction Efficiency Using Rapid Rinse and Direct Search in Sweep‐Net Samples for Quantitative Analyses

ABSTRACT Sweep‐netting is widely used for sampling terrestrial arthropods, but specimen extraction is a sensitive step that can introduce biases and variability in ecological or quantitative investigations. Field storage of multiple, independent sweep‐net samples, is also usually unfeasible because they need to be chilled, or the specimens immediately transferred to alcohol, to avoid both damage and decomposition. Current extraction methods based on washing and sieving of pooled samples are aimed at qualitative surveys, raising the question of whether direct search, also often used, could be more efficient and reliable for quantitative investigations. This study presents an objective comparison of both methods, investigating Hymenoptera extraction efficiency using direct search versus rapid rinse, a field‐adapted variant of traditional rinsing methods designed for use with minimal equipment. Rapid rinse improved specimen recovery by 29%–83% per sample, with only 0.0%–7.6% of specimens missed, compared to 16%–66% missed with direct search. It also yielded 11%–44% more species per sample and reduced processing time by more than half, while maintaining specimen integrity and enabling efficient, stable field storage. Rinsing is therefore recommended as the most reliable and operationally practical extraction method for studies requiring quantitative and comparative accuracy. Rapid rinse adaptations for fieldwork, using just a few items and no assembly, while also resulting in easy storage, improved the technique's overall accessibility.