Evaluation of flower visiting insects specimen sampling methodology in turfgrass–forb habitat

Abstract

Pollination is fundamental to healthy ecosystems, and global pollination services have been valued at over $200 billion annually. However, landscape fragmentation, urban growth, and ecosystem degradation adversely influence insect pollinator biodiversity. Efforts to mitigate these factors must be enhanced in order to establish and increase pollinator populations. As such, a better understanding of the landscapes that make up their habitats may help mitigate these negative effects. Gauging the effect of landscapes on pollinators requires identification of insect richness and abundance, but studies that evaluate trapping and netting methodology over established turfgrass–forb habitat are scant. Here, we present preliminary findings from a single location (Starkville, MS) regarding the effectiveness of two sampling methodologies, netting, and pan traps. Methods were compared over bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) mixed with white clover (Trifolium repens). The total abundance, taxa abundance, and the link between insect taxa and method were examined. Netting was found to be more effective at catching pollinators, especially those belonging to the Apidae and Syrphidae families. Apidae and Syrphidae were the most abundant families present. Halictidae showed higher abundance in pan traps, however, no significant difference in abundance was found between it and other families. Ongoing work seeks to identify all samples to species level. The work presented here has been replicated at another site and will be combined with this study to enable broader inferences.