Using insect biodiversity to build better cities

As the global population shift from rural to urban environments continues, biodiversity studies conducted within cities become increasingly compelling.  The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County seeks to tackle the urban biodiversity of Los Angeles in a gargantuan way with their BioSCAN (Biodiversity Science: City and Nature) project.  This study examines the entomological fauna of the city at the neighborhood level, which will eventually allow focused approaches to increasing biodiversity within specific areas.  This study serves as a model for future studies of urban biodiversity worldwide.  Project planning, sampling, processing and analysis are discussed along with implications for both public opinion and policy.