The RCN has a shifting number of Working Groups on focal topics that fall within five major themes: data aggregation and monitoring, quantitative methods and analysis, causes of declines, consequences of declines, and solutions. There are also more specialized types of Working Groups that span a number of the main themes, which are broadly grouped into network management and taxonomically focused groups. 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 active are listed below.

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


Tropical insects

Building capacity for sustained monitoring of insects across Latin America

EntoGEM

Community-driven systematic map of insect population and biodiversity datasets

Insect Traits

Unifying and consolidating insect trait databases into a central resource

Automated Monitoring

Developing automated and remote monitoring methods and calibrating results

Quantitative Analysis


Time Series Analysis

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

Causes of Declines


Light Pollution

Artificial light, especially at night, has many negative impacts on insects

Climate Change

Impacts of changes in temperature and precipitation on insect biodiversity

Consequences of Declines


Trophic Cascades

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

Solutions


Perceptions of Insects

How people perceive and interact with insects impacts support for their conservation

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

Taxonomic Groups


Aquatic Insects

Synthesising the status of aquatic insect biodiversity globally and drivers of decline