Defining the decline: the insect decline task force biodiversity glossary

Authors: AWAD, JESSICA - State Museum Of Natural History; BRAR, GAGANDEEP - North Dakota State University; CADWALADER, ERIN - American Entomological Institute; DILLARD, DESHAE - Michigan State University; ESPOSITO, LAUREN - California Academy Of Sciences; EVANS, ELAINE - University Of Minnesota; GROZINGER, CHRISTINA - Pennsylvania State University; FISHER, KELSEY - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; KAWAHARA, AKITO - Florida Museum Of Natural History; KRUPKE, CHRISTIAN - Purdue University; LUCKY, ANDREA - Florida Museum Of Natural History; Mankin, Richard; MOREAU, CORRIE - Cornell University; OWENS, AVALON - Harvard University; SANDALL, EMILY - Foreign Agricultural Service, Udsa (FAS); SELTMANN, KATJA - Foreign Agricultural Service, Udsa (FAS); WARE, JESSICA - State Museum Of Natural History; WINTON, ROSS - University Of California, San Diego

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/30/2025
Publication Date: 5/13/2025
Citation: Awad, J., Brar, G., Cadwalader, E., Dillard, D., Esposito, L., Evans, E., Grozinger, C., Fisher, K.E., Kawahara, A.Y., Krupke, C.H., Lucky, A., Mankin, R.W., Moreau, C.S., Owens, A.C., Sandall, E., Seltmann, K.C., Ware, J., Winton, R. 2025. Defining the decline: The insect decline task force biodiversity glossary. Journal of Insect Science. 25(3):4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf048.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf048

Interpretive Summary: There is considerable concern about the potential decline of insect populations across North America. To address this, the Entomological Society of America approved the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Insect Decline. The Task Force goal was to examine how our practices as a society impact insect biodiversity, including our environmental impacts through meetings and operational routines. Scientists at the USDA ARS CMAVE, University of Florida, North Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, American Museum Natural History, and UCSB, Santa Barbara identified factors contributing to the decline of beneficial insects in agricultural and natural areas and discussed them with respect to activities to reduce the decline of beneficial insects in different regions of the US.Going forward, the task Force will work with headquarters, branches, and sections to modify aspects of work with insect protection in mind. Also members of entomological societies will be survey to identify researchers working on insect decline with the intention of finding ways to leverage expertise and broaden collaborations.

Technical Abstract: In the fall of 2022, the Entomological Society of America approved the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Insect Decline, which was renewed for the 2023-2024 year. The Task Force was asked to examine how our practices as a society impact insect biodiversity, including our environmental impacts through meetings and operational routines. Where possible, the Task Force aims to work with headquarters, branches, and sections to modify aspects of our work with insect protection in mind. Further, we will survey members of EntSoc to identify those working on insect decline (as broadly defined) with the intention of finding ways to leverage expertise and broaden collaborations. Overcoming these challenges is essential for a comprehensive understanding of insect diversity, especially in the face of threats like climate change and habitat loss. Scientific endeavors demand precise and standardized communication. By establishing clear definitions, the Task Force ensures that researchers, conservationists, policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public share a common language. This clarity reduces ambiguity and promotes effective collaboration.