Comparing insect pollinator diversity and abundance in urban green spaces and low-management habitat

Within the past several years, insect pollinator communities have declined greatly, and many species within the Apidae family have experienced high population declines. Loss of habitat and forage as well as habitat fragmentation have contributed heavily to the decline of insect pollinator communities throughout the developed world. Urban green spaces, including gardens, parks, and pollinator gardens are viewed as a solution to this problem by many conservationists. Green spaces providing a diverse, but artificial habitat and forage for pollinators. The purpose of this study is to evaluate urban green spaces as an effective way to sustain insect pollinator communities. Specifically, evaluate pollinator species diversity in green spaces. Spaces managed for pollinators represent a high disturbance level compared to unmanaged natural habitat in urban settings, which represent a moderate disturbance level.  Insects were collected at each sampling site once a week with both sweep and aerial nets from the first bloom in spring 2020 through the summer dearth, representing the most active time of year for most pollinators. Insects species collected include many in the Apidae family and other species in the orders: Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Results indicate that managed pollinator gardens harbor a higher pollinator abundance due to higher forage diversity. Diversity did not differ between unmanaged and managed habitats. These data suggest that green spaces can effectively support a large community of insect pollinators just as well as, if not better, than natural habitats.