Survey and diversity assessment of key insect communities in different grassland types in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

Insect communities serve as vital components of ecosystems and environmental indicators. To assess insect community composition and diversity across Inner Mongolia’s grassland types, a systematic survey was conducted between June and August of 2022–2023 using the sweep net method. A total of 38,200 insects were identified, belonging to 4 orders, 69 families, and 518 species. Herbivorous insects dominated the communities, accounting for 98.66% of the total individual count. Dominant species composition varied among grassland types. Significant differences in alpha diversity were observed across habitats. PCoA spatially delineated distinct community structures. Meadow and typical steppes exhibited similar insect communities, while desert and steppe desert also clustered closely. This reflected the influence of environmental gradients on insect distribution. LEfSe analysis identified specific taxa driving these macro-scale differentiations. This differentiation underscores the necessity of tailored insect management strategies. These findings establish theoretical foundations for insect diversity monitoring and contribute to the sustainable use of grassland resources.