The Hottest Topic in the Field of Entomology: Pyroentomology

Authors

Sarah Choi, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2023

Document Type

Article

Citation

Master of Science Degree Project, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Sarah Choi

Abstract

Introduction

Summers are usually accompanied with wildfire season, with fires burning rampant across the world. These fires can be devastating to those who live in affected areas, resulting in many short and long-term consequences. However, they also are a source of most-needed resources in the afflicted area. Natural disturbances are a key component of any ecosystem and to improve biodiversity (Krawchuk et al., 2020). Disturbances also promote community stability and landscape heterogeneity (Bai et al., 2022). Forest fires can affect interactions between plant and animal communities and its members, as well as natural processes such as nutrient cycling and soil aeration; they also change the availability of resources in the area, including food, water, and shelter (Murphy et al., 2018). The study of interactions between insect communities and fires is termed as pyroentomology (Mason et al., 2021). This field of study is intricately related to natural disturbances, forest fires, and their regimes. The importance of insects in post-fire secondary succession and what behavioral or morphological adaptations they have developed will be further explored.

Conclusion

While forest fires are becoming more severe and frequent due to climate change and other anthropogenic factors, it is essential that recovery in these areas via secondary succession is thoroughly studied. Pyrophilic insects play a big part in this process by being the first to colonize affected areas, often while the fire is still burning. However, because of pyrophilic insects only emerging during turbulent times, they are harder to study. The initial colonization of fire-devastated zones by pyrophilic insects aid the re-establishment of plants, then the eventual return of herbivorous life and predators. Although it is an understudied field, pyroentomology is still a relevant and important topic of study, especially with the rise in wildfires.