Optimal Number of Field Surveys in a Year to Assess the Diversity of Leafhopper and Butterfly

Abstract

By using leafhopper and butterfly as bioindicators, computer simulation was performed to determine (1) how many times we must survey in a year to clarify true species richness, (2) to what extent we can clarify the true species richness bu 3-time field surveys in a year, and (3) in whichcombination of monthswe can obtain thamaximum number of species. I found that about 90% of the true species richness of leafhopper and butterfly could be clarified by 3-time field surveys. To assess the true species richness, we have to survey at least 5.4 times for leafhopper and 5.5 times for butterfly. In an optimal schedule, surveys for leafhopper should be performed in May, June, July, August, September, and December, of which the last one is the key month. For butterfly, we should wurvey in April, May, jJune, July (key month), August, and September.