Abundance and diversity of ground beetles and mosquitoes at three southeastern US sites: NEON data in action

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observatory designed to provide 30 years of ecological data on the effects of climate and land use change on natural resources and biodiversity.  Several focal taxa have been chosen for sampling, including mosquitoes (Culicidae) and ground beetles (Carabidae).  These insects will be sampled using well-established and standardized techniques at 60 sites, representing 20 ecoclimatic regions, across the continental United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.  Insect sampling will be co-located with a large group of other ecological variables.  In 2012 ground beetles and mosquitoes were collected at three sites in the southeastern US.  Diversity and abundance data are presented to demonstrate the type of data NEON will be producing at much larger spatial and temporal scales.  All NEON data will be freely available.  In 2013, 6 NEON sites are operational with additional sites added annually until all 60 sites are operational in 2017.