A global dataset of diel activity patterns in insect communities

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Zoology
• Biodiversity Science

Background:

• Insect activity is vital for ecosystems and global food production.
• Diel (24-hour) cycles significantly influence insect behavior, yet empirical data on abundance and richness variation is limited.
• Traditional sampling methods like light traps are biased towards nocturnal insects, hindering comparisons between diurnal and nocturnal communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile a comprehensive global dataset on insect abundance and richness across diurnal and nocturnal periods.
• To provide a foundation for investigating factors influencing insect diel preferences and temporal biodiversity changes.
• To establish baseline data for long-term ecological monitoring of insect communities, especially in light of insect declines.

Main Methods:

• Compiled data from 99 studies worldwide, encompassing 1512 observations.
• Included insect communities from six continents and 41 countries, covering 16 insect orders.
• Utilized sampling methods minimally influenced by diel variation, such as movement-based interception traps, to ensure comparable diurnal and nocturnal data.

Main Results:

• The dataset captures insect abundance and richness variations across the day-night cycle.
• Data spans diverse geographic locations and taxonomic groups, offering broad ecological insights.
• Provides a robust foundation for analyzing diel activity patterns and biodiversity trends.

Conclusions:

• This global dataset offers essential baseline information on insect diel activity patterns.
• It supports research into the drivers of insect diel preferences and biodiversity dynamics.
• Crucial for understanding and mitigating the impacts of insect declines and anthropogenic pressures on diurnal and nocturnal insect biodiversity.