Insect Diversity
Standardized Quantitative and Qualitative Insect Monitoring
In this study to assess insect diversity, our metabarcoding service was used to practically test the standardization of monitoring. The dramatic decline of insect populations in Central Europe is an alarming phenomenon. An innovative approach to assess the diversity of insect species was needed! Two trapping methods were used: Malaise traps and automated active light traps. This combination of sampling and DNA metabarcoding analysis provided valuable quantitative and qualitative data.
Metabarcoding provides meaningful results
The results of the study are clear: higher biomass and greater species richness were found on organically managed farmland. In addition, twice as many Red List butterflies were detected as on conventionally managed land. This underscores the importance of organic farming for biodiversity conservation.
Our DNA metabarcoding technology not only enables the accurate identification of insect species, but also the assessment of the status of landscapes according to ecological characteristics and threat levels. This approach provides a suitable framework for large-scale, long-term insect monitoring not only in Central Europe, but worldwide.
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