The presently disclosed subject matter provides an apparatus for trapping insects for purposes of monitoring insect load and in some cases studying the captured insects, and methods for using the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for trapping insects once they emerge from the soil, such as corn rootworm beetles and related insects, and methods for assembling and using the same. The apparatus comprises a frame having an open bottom and a removable top panel having at least one plant slot configured to receive a plant and a capture chamber opening configured to receive a capture chamber a flexible sealing structure configured to seal the plant slot on the top panel and a securing mechanism configured to secure the flexible sealing structure such that a seal is created about the plant to prevent the egress of the insects about the plant.
