Urbanization Shapes Insect Diversity

Emily K. Meineke, Elsa Youngsteadt, Mia K. Lippey, Katherine C.R. Baldock

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Mounting evidence points to loss of insect diversity over recent decades, and urbanization is implicated as a driver of insect declines. However, the effects of urban development on insect diversity are much more complex than simple reductions in species richness. In this chapter, we unravel this complexity by reviewing literature on the effects of key aspects of urbanization - habitat fragmentation, climate, pollution, land use, vegetation complexity, urban area age, and affluence - on insects that provide services and disservices within the urban landscape. We find that most studies focus on the flying (i.e. adult) life stages of particular insect clades, and that butterflies are overrepresented in the literature. Much past work focuses on the effects of habitat fragmentation and land conversion, while insect exposure to pollution and the effects of city aging and urban climates are poorly characterized. Finally, while the effects of neighborhood socioeconomic status on plant diversity are established, cascading effects on insect diversity have not been examined. Overall, we emphasize that more long-term studies within cities are needed to fully understand the effects of urbanization on insect diversity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRoutledge Handbook of Urban Biodiversity
EditorsCharles H. Nilon, Myla F.J. Aronson
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter16
Pages219-246
Number of pages28
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003016120
ISBN (Print)9780367444549
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Oct 2023

Publication series

NameRoutledge Environment and Sustainability Handbooks
PublisherRoutledge
  • Cities are Planning for Biodiversity: A global survey of city plans

    O’Neill, K. M., Aronson, M. F. J., Nilon, C. H., Cilliers, S. S., Dobbs, C., Frazee, L. J., Goddard, M. A., Roberts, D., Stander, E. K., Werner, P. & Yocom, K. P., 16 Oct 2023, Routledge Handbook of Urban Biodiversity. Nilon, C. H. & Aronson, M. F. J. (eds.). 1st ed. London: Taylor & Francis, p. 361-378 18 p. (Routledge Environment and Sustainability Handbooks).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)
  • Scaling-Up the Management and Conservation of Urban Biodiversity

    Lerman, S. B., Cubino, J. P. & Goddard, M. A., 16 Oct 2023, Routledge Handbook of Urban Biodiversity. Nilon, C. H. & Aronson, M. F. J. (eds.). 1st ed. London: Taylor & Francis, p. 127-140 14 p. (Routledge Environment and Sustainability Handbooks).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Open Access
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