Distribution, diversity, and abundance of hymenopterans in urban habitats

This study examines hymenopteran distribution, diversity, and abundance in different urban habitats. Four habitat types were used: community-based garden, education-based garden, urban farm, and vacant urban lot. Preliminary studies compared abundance and general diversity of beat net samples between different sites in early and late summer. Analysis of the beat net samples indicates a higher diversity and abundance at the vacant urban lots, compared to all other sites. Garden sites were found to have more Coleoptera and Hemiptera than vacant sites, while vacant sites had more Diptera and Hymenoptera. Primary specimen collection was achieved using yellow pan traps. Analysis of these samples is in progress.