A Two-part Project

Authors

Phil Warburton, University of Nebraska.-Lincoln

First Advisor

Erin Bauer

Date of this Version

Summer 2024

Document Type

Project

Citation

ENTO 888, MS project

Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Phil Warburton. Used by permission

Abstract

1) an analysis of the constraints to the use of entomological observations collected by citizen scientists for research

The online database, iNaturalist, is transforming observational entomology with a massive and valuable database of photographed insect sightings in their environment. Increasingly, iNaturalist is becoming a rich source of scientific data for research purposes. However, iNaturalist faces a hidden but potentially serious crisis-in-the making. The phenomenal growth threatens to outstrip the capacity of expert insect identifiers.

As the database grows rapidly, the rate of identification of insect observations to the “Research Grade” standard is in decline. Furthermore, the number of expert identifiers has at least plateaued and may be in decline. A backlog of 20M insect observations that ‘need ID’ has accumulated and is set to increase further.

As the backlog of work accumulates, database accuracy could also become a casualty of the identifier shortfall if fewer erroneous identifications are challenged by experts. User engagement is jeopardized if increasing numbers of observations are left as ‘needs ID’ *. Consequently, the continued growth in the platform’s contribution to entomology is at risk unless actions are taken.

The problem is particularly apparent in certain geographies and in certain taxa, leaving potential ‘dead spots’ in iNaturalist’s coverage of entomology.

The issue has been explored through analysis of iNaturalist data and by reference to a prior survey. Recommendations are made for addressing the issues and for preventing the problems reaching crisis levels, supporting the continued growth of the platform as a vehicle for collating entomological observations by citizen scientists for research. Critically, the recommendations focus on the wider stakeholder community and the role of iNaturalist users and the academic community as key enablers of the future success of the social network.

The commentary in this paper relates only to entomological observations. If the commentary has any wider applicability to other organisms, this is not explored or discussed here.

2) a practical education program in the tools and techniques for producing novel and high-quality photographic records in entomology

The second part of this project is presented as a website at: http://www.entophotography.com/