Urban Insect Communities in the Neotropics: A Systematic Literature Review and a Green Path to Promote Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

The Neotropics, known for hosting several biodiversity hotspots, is paradoxically one of the most urbanized regions of the planet. The current global decline of insects is undoubtedly related to urbanization, but the effects of the fast neotropical urban growth on insects are barely known. In this chapter, we performed a systematic literature review of the studies on Neotropical urban insect communities. In addition, we used green roofs in central Argentina as a study case to highlight the value of green infrastructure for insects. We identified and examined 155 articles, mostly observational field studies evaluating the taxonomic diversity of terrestrial insects, and performed in the Chacoan region, with biodiversity hotspots scarcely represented. Although the number of studies per year has increased steadily in the last 20 years, there are still gaps in understanding the main drivers leading to changes in species diversity. Forest remnants, rivers and streams were the most studied urban green/blue infrastructures. Despite other green spaces being poorly considered, we showed that green roofs are valuable habitats for insect diversity conservation. We conclude that moving from describing patterns of insect biodiversity in cities to using a more systemic approach is one of the main needs for the Neotropical region.