Flower Density Is More Important Than Habitat Type for Increasing Flower Visiting Insect Diversity

Declines in flora and fauna are well documented and highlight the need to manage available habitats to benefit local biodiversity. Between May and September in 2011 the number, composition, and diversity of flower visiting insects were assessed across eight sites, representing a range of habitats within an industrial site in the North East of England, UK. There was no significant difference in insect assemblages between the sites selected, but there was a significant difference between the months surveyed. Flower density was highlighted as the most important factor driving these changes between months and indicates that flower density is more important to a site for insect diversity than the presence of specific habitats. Analysis of the insect communities each month allowed comparison of dominant insects to the flower density data, highlighting sites where management intervention could be initiated to benefit insect diversity, or alternatively specific management plans to encourage target species. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of correct data interpretation to answer specific management objectives and recommends analysing the insect community interactions to determine the dominant species present prior to undertaking any management of the site in question. 1. Introduction As a result of human influences, habitats and ecosystems are continually fragmented by factors such as city expansion, and agricultural intensification [1, 2]. Areas such as gardens, parks, brownfield sites, and working industrial sites are becoming important “islands” for wildlife between the ever-increasing urbanised areas. However, these sites require management to conserve biodiversity and to provide an optimum habitat network for species [3]. Sites left unmanaged over long periods of time can become dominated by rank grasses and pernicious weeds, reducing the biodiversity and value of the habitat [4]. Previous studies have highlighted the impacts of environmental management schemes and the effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity within agricultural environments [5–7]. Additionally, the importance of gardens and parks for pollinating species within urbanised areas is becoming more apparent [8–10]. Nevertheless, the importance of industrial areas has not yet been considered. Despite industrial sites often being heavily utilised, a large proportion have the potential to create wildlife refuges within an urban and agriculturally dominant landscape. Industrial sites are found worldwide and frequently cover a large expanse of land, usually incorporating