Catches of six different groups of arthropods, collected in four habitat types, were analysed for the efficiency of two types of pitfall traps: plastic cups and plastic funnels. An ANOVA indicates influences of trap type, habitat and systematic group (spiders stand out) on capture success (Tab. 2). Correlation analysis of numbers captured per cm trap diameter shows significant dependence of catches in cup and funnel traps. A regression analysis confirms linear correlation of the number of specimens caught in cup and funnel traps (Tabs. 3+4, Fig. 2). The Linyphiidae (spiders) and the Formicidae differ significantly from all other investigated groups in the slopes of their regression lines. Both trap types catch these two groups about equally efficiently. However, all other groups (including lycosid spiders) are caught 2-3 times more efficiently per cm trap diameter with funnel traps. Potential reasons for the differential capture success of the two trap-types are discussed. We recommend funnel traps for the collection of epigeal arthropods.