Abstract

In order to ensure species survival through the harsh winters of many temperate areas, most insects will enter a dormant phase in a sheltered location, lay eggs capable of surviving cold exposure before dying themselves, or migrate to warmer areas.  Whichever survival strategy, the resulting perception is that as autumn advances, insect populations decline.  This observational field study aimed to evaluate the pattern of this decline, examining whether insect abundance held relatively stable for long periods before experiencing sudden losses, or gradually lessening throughout the course of the season.  To investigate this question, insects were captured using sweep netting performed on five separate dates during the months of September and October at Poerio Park in Kenosha, WI.  The abundance and diversity of insects captured by sweep netting were recorded, with insects being identified to the taxonomic level of family.  The results indicated that insect populations are more likely to decline gradually throughout the course of autumn than to experience major declines after a long period of maintaining steady levels.