entomofauna

Entomofauna refers to the insect fauna of a defined geographic area or habitat. The term is used in ecology, biogeography, and faunistics to describe the assemblage of insects present, regardless of their abundance or functional role. In many studies entomofauna is considered alongside the broader arthropod fauna to assess biodiversity and ecosystem processes.

Because insects constitute the largest group of animals, entomofauna encompasses a wide range of life histories and ecological roles. Many insects are pollinators, herbivores, or detritivores, while others are predators or parasitoids that help regulate pest populations. In aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, larval stages contribute substantially to nutrient cycling and food webs.

Research on entomofauna involves cataloging species, documenting distribution, and measuring diversity through sampling methods such as traps, netting, and environmental DNA. Tropical regions typically harbor greater species richness than temperate zones, and habitat loss and climate change threaten many insect faunas. Monitoring entomofauna provides indicators of ecological integrity and helps forecast changes in ecosystem services.

Major insect groups comprising entomofauna include beetles (Coleoptera), butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), bees, wasps, and ants (Hymenoptera), true flies (Diptera), true bugs (Hemiptera), and grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), among others such as Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera. The term is often used interchangeably with "insect fauna," though some authors reserve entomofauna for the insects of a particular area.