Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Does Tree Species and DBH Influence Insect Taxonomic Richness
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biolody
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Insect diversity has been on a decline in recent decades. One of the main reasons for this decline is human interference and urbanization. As the human population grows urbanization will continue to increase. We can assume that if urbanization causes a decrease in insect populations, then insect populations will also continue to decrease. Urban green areas, as well as the greening of private yards could be beneficial to Insects that inhabit a more urban environment. All of our sampling took place in Louisville Kentucky during the Fall of 2021 and 2022. Sample size consisted of private yards (n=15) and public control sites (n=5) like roadsides and parks. All samples were collected by hanging flying insect traps approximately 8 feet from the ground. 3 traps were applied to each tree and left to hang for 4 weeks each year. After 4 weeks the traps were collected and I identified each individual down to Family or LTG (Lowest Taxonomic Grouping) feasible. I will then run ANOVA tests to find if there is any significance between Tree groupings and insect taxonomic richness as well as DBH and Taxonomic richness.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Does Tree Species and DBH Influence Insect Taxonomic Richness
Insect diversity has been on a decline in recent decades. One of the main reasons for this decline is human interference and urbanization. As the human population grows urbanization will continue to increase. We can assume that if urbanization causes a decrease in insect populations, then insect populations will also continue to decrease. Urban green areas, as well as the greening of private yards could be beneficial to Insects that inhabit a more urban environment. All of our sampling took place in Louisville Kentucky during the Fall of 2021 and 2022. Sample size consisted of private yards (n=15) and public control sites (n=5) like roadsides and parks. All samples were collected by hanging flying insect traps approximately 8 feet from the ground. 3 traps were applied to each tree and left to hang for 4 weeks each year. After 4 weeks the traps were collected and I identified each individual down to Family or LTG (Lowest Taxonomic Grouping) feasible. I will then run ANOVA tests to find if there is any significance between Tree groupings and insect taxonomic richness as well as DBH and Taxonomic richness.