Insects serve multiple functions in agricultural landscapes, from pests to pollinators to biological control agents. We are researching how predatory ladybugs use resources in farm fields and surrounding natural habitats over the course of the growing season. We are seeking farmers and land managers in southern Wisconsin willing to let us conduct insect sampling on their property.
Sampling will entail the installation of yellow sticky cards (corn rootworm traps) and sweep netting 5-6 times over the course of the summer. In crop fields, equipment will be placed to allow normal tractor operations, and we can coordinate with you to make sure equipment is out of your way. Land managers will receive information about beneficial insects’ presence on their property and complete study results upon project completion.
Click here if you are interested in registering for the research.