Arthropod orders and families in green spaces in Yinchuan, a city in North China
Arthropods biodiversity in urban areas have been the subject of many studies (Do et al., 2014; FATTORINI et al., 2018; Nagy et al., 2018) because urban areas represent important biodiversity reservoirs. In arid regions like north China, green spaces represent recreative spaces for people but also oases for natural fauna especially small arthropods. The increase of urbanization leads to less green spaces and thus more small green patches.
In this study, first, we aim at characterizing the structure of the arthropods meta-community in Yinchuan. Second, we aim at investigating the drivers of arthropods diversity with a focus on insects. Three points drive this study:
• Which arthropods are found in Yinchuan parks? And what is the dominance structure?
• Do the abundance and family diversity rely on the area (size) of the park?
• Does density of city around the park impact the community structure?
To answer these questions, we carry out sampling in seven parks scattered in the city. We collect arthropods using two methods: using forceps and using net for flying insects. Each park is visited two times per month from June to September 2018. During each visit, two sampling points are selected. At each sampling point, we trap arthropods using forceps and net.
This study is still in progress. 5 undergraduates students are involved: Fang Wei, Zhang Ting Ting, Gu Zhi Hai, Yang Jing Lin and Guo Jian Chao.
