Scientists at Rothamsted research Institute in Hertfordshire are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS). The survey is used to track changes in to the populations and distributions in insect species, particularly major agricultural pests such as aphids.

Giant insect traps, at 15 locations around the UK, are used to catch insects, which are then analysed as part of the Survey. Over 80 light traps are also used to look at moth populations, many of which are in decline.

Information gained from the survey is uploaded to a database, informing farmers what species of pest might threaten their crops, where and when they are likely to become a problem and, thanks to detailed investigation of each insect trapped, whether the pests are carrying any diseases or are able to withstand certain insecticides.  

Researchers said that the longer the survey continues, the more valuable the data become, as forecasts can be made more accurately.

Changing climate and land use alter the distribution and abundance of various insects, including various crop pests and others that can spread disease to crops or livestock. Surveillance and warning systems based on the Rothamsted model are important in detecting these changing trends and are now being used across the world.

Survey project leader Dr Richard Harington said, "The Rothamsted Insect Survey has amassed an incredible wealth of data and is now widely regarded as the most comprehensive and continual database in the world on terrestrial invertebrates."

Dr Harrington added that, in addition to studying crop pests, the survey also looks at their natural predators, including lacewings, ladybirds and wasps, alongside beneficial pollinating insects, and others that are benign to human activity.

RIS data have been put to numerous uses beyond their agricultural applications, including testing fledgling theories of biodiversity and monitoring the effects of climate change on insect distribution and behaviour.

Detailed information on the Survey's 50 year history is available from BBSRC here.

BBSRC also made a short video introducing the RIS: