The RCN has a shifting number of working groups on focal topics that fall within six major themes: data aggregation and monitoring, quantitative methods and analysis, causes of declines, consequences of declines, solutions, and network management. The number and foci of working groups changes as the priorities of the network shift, and new working groups can be added when there is sufficient interest for a topic. Working groups that are currently (or soon-to-be) active are listed below within theme groups.

Guidelines for organizing an RCN working group can be found at this link.

To propose a new working group, please contact the RCN leadership team.

Data Aggregation and Monitoring


EntoGEM

Community-driven systematic map of insect population and biodiversity datasets

Insect Traits

Unifying and consolidating insect trait databases into a central resource

Database Usage

Ensuring insect biodiversity databases are user friendly for queries across use cases

Data Accessibility

Determining data availability and accessibility and working to make insect data more open

Standardized Indices

Codifying best practices for insect indices and sharing resources to create new indices

Automated Monitoring

Developing automated and remote monitoring methods and calibrating results

Quantitative Analysis


Space for Time

Assessing suitability of using space for time approaches to understand drivers of decline

Time Series Analysis

Best practices for analyzing insect time series data with large cycles and abrupt shifts

Climate Data Analysis

Assessing consequences of different ways to measure climate and weather

Causes of Declines


To Be Determined

RCN participants working in the Causes of Declines research theme will hold a meeting to determine which drivers should be prioritized for initial working groups.

Consequences of Declines


Ecosystem Services

Evaluating the economic impacts of insect decline, including ecosystem services

Trophic Cascades

Impacts of insect decline on insectivores such as birds, bats, and reptiles

Plant Responses

Effects of insect decline on plants and pollination networks

Solutions


To Be Determined

RCN participants working in the Solutions research theme will hold a meeting to determine which types of solutions should be prioritized for initial working groups.

Network Management


Global Participation

Expanding the network to be more representative of the global community

Society Involvement

Connecting entomological societies to discuss society-level actions