WET: Water-Exclusion Trap

The WET (Water-Exclusion Trap) is an add-on collector for window traps, designed to prevent water intrusion, thereby enhancing DNA preservation in collected samples. Sampling is a cornerstone of field biology, and among entomological methods, window traps stand out for their effectiveness. Yet, the Achilles' heel has been DNA degradation due to water infiltration. This issue intensifies as genomics gains prominence. Our answer to this conundrum is the WET (Water-Exclusion Trap), a revolutionary solution. Crafted through 3D-printing, this collector keeps samples dry and maximizes DNA preservation by limiting water intrusion and evaporation. Field tests unveil its superiority; WET-trapped insects exhibited significantly higher DNA quality compared to conventional traps. The WET addresses a critical challenge in the use of window traps – DNA degradation caused by water intrusion – and represents a significant advancement in fieldwork for genomic research in entomology.