Insect Biodiversity

Method of data collection and data needed to compute the method:

The various metrics for this indicator (i.e., the number of pollinators, the number of beneficial insects, the diversity index) can all be measured using similar methods that will depend on the context and species of interest.

A common method for measuring insect diversity is to carry out seasonal transects through an area of interest using a sweep net. Insects can be identified to the lowest level possible. Information about transects can be found above.

Insect traps may also be useful for specific types of insects. Shining a light on a white sheet at night is one way to attract flying species that are active at night in order to quantify their diversity.

Direct observation may be useful for quantifying the number and types of pollinators or beneficial insect predators seen in a given amount of time in a known area of observation.

Unit of analysis:

The species and number of individuals of each species should be recorded and expressed as species of pollinators or beneficial insects per unit area or by field type (e.g., maize fields).

For details on the diversity index, see the Plant Biodiversity Indicator above.

Limitations regarding estimating and interpreting:

Comparisons across sites must be done at similar points in time due to the seasonality of insect abundance.