Insectrich

Insectrich is a term used in ecology to describe the richness of insect species within a defined habitat. It is closely related to the broader concept of species richness and is used to characterize biodiversity patterns where insects are a major functional group.

Etymology and usage: The word blends insect and richness and has appeared in environmental science literature and biodiversity surveys as a shorthand for insect diversity. It does not designate a single standardized metric, but rather a concept that can be quantified in multiple ways.

Measurement: Insectrich can be quantified as species richness (the number of distinct insect species observed) or through composite diversity indices that incorporate evenness and abundance, such as Shannon or Simpson indices. Field sampling methods include pitfall traps, sweep nets, malaise traps, light traps, and leaf-litter extraction; identifications may be done to morphospecies or to species level. Rarefaction is often used to compare samples of different sizes.

Ecological significance: High insectrich generally indicates a resilient or productive ecosystem, supporting pollination, predation of pests, and decomposition. It is shaped by habitat structure, plant diversity, climate, land use, and disturbance regimes, and it can decline with pesticide exposure and habitat loss.

Applications and limitations: The concept is used in biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration planning. Limitations include sampling bias, seasonal variation, taxonomic resolution, and the lack of a single universal measurement, which can complicate cross-study comparisons.

See also: Biodiversity, insect biodiversity, species richness.