We have investigated trap loss in a dual-species magneto-optical trap ͑MOT͒ comprised of 85 Rb and metastable 40 Ar. We measure the trap loss rate coefficients for each species due to the presence of the other as a function of trap light intensity. We clearly identify both Penning ionization of Rb by Ar * and associative ionization to form the molecular ion RbAr + as two of the trap loss channels. We have also measured the trap loss rate coefficient for the Ar * MOT alone and observe production of Ar + and Ar 2 + ions.

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