Moth species richness and diversity decline in a 30-year time series in Norway, irrespective of species’ latitudinal range extent and habitat

• DOI: 10.1007/s10841-021-00353-4
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25T18:06:25Z
• Authors: Ryan C. Burner; Vidar Selås; Sverre Kobro; Rannveig M. Jacobsen; Anne Sverdrup-Thy...
• Keywords: Animal ecology; Species distribution; Rare species

Abstract Introduction Insects are reported to be in decline around the globe, but long-term datasets rare. The causes of these trends elusive, with changes land use and climate among top candidates. Yet if species traits can predict rates population change, this help identify underlying mechanisms. If change is important, for example, high-latitude may as temperate expand. Land changes, however, impact that rely on certain habitats. Aims methods We present 30 years moth captures (comprising 97,032 individuals 808 species) from a site southeast Norway test correlated traits. time series analyses joint distribution models combined local habitat data. Results discussion Species richness declined by 8.2% per decade total abundance appeared well (−9.4%, p = 0.14) inter-annual variability was high. One-fifth declined, although 6% increased. Winter summer weather were annual many species. Opposite general expectation, responded negatively higher winter temperatures. Surprisingly, species’ northern range limits which their food plants grew not strong predictors or responses climatic variation. Complex indirect effects both play role declines. Implications insect conservation Our results provide additional evidence declines abundance. multifaceted limit ability reveal most at risk.