Rich bugs revealed: Homes in wealthier neighborhoods host a greater diversity of insects
Published: Wednesday, August 3, 2016 - 11:10 in Paleontology & Archaeology
© Matt Bertone and North Carolina State University
The scientists researching indoor arthropods describe home environments as their own unique, thriving ecosystems. Roughly 100 different species of arthropods are found inside the average home. One common misconception: the mistaken belief that most of these species are pests. "Even though we spend billions of dollars each year to control for cockroaches, ticks, termites and other infestations, there are still a number of overlooked, benign species," says Leong. "Don't panic--most bugs aren't the problem roommates we make them out to be." The study's authors are traveling the globe to better understand our tiny, closest companions. Trautwein, Leong, and their colleagues are in the midst of a multi-year project sampling arthropods (and, as in the image above, collecting face mite samples) alongside citizen scientists in homes on all seven continents, exploring the overlooked life that shares our homes and bodies on a daily basis. Past expeditions include Sweden, the Peruvian Amazon, and houses in the Academy's own San Francisco backyard. The scientists will continue collecting house-dwelling arthropods in Australia, Madagascar, China, and Antarctica through 2017.
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2016/08/03/rich.bugs.revealed.homes.wealthier.neighborhoods.host.a.greater.diversity.insects
