Worldwide insect declines: An important message, but interpret with caution.
Benno I SimmonsAndrew BalmfordAndrew J BladonAlec P ChristieAdriana De PalmaLynn V DicksJuan Gallego-ZamoranoAlison JohnstonPhilip A MartinAndy PurvisRicardo RochaHannah S WauchopeClaire F R WordleyThomas A WorthingtonTom FinchPublished in: Ecology and evolution (2019)
A recent paper claiming evidence of global insect declines achieved huge media attention, including claims of "insectaggedon" and a "collapse of nature." Here, we argue that while many insects are declining in many places around the world, the study has important limitations that should be highlighted. We emphasise the robust evidence of large and rapid insect declines present in the literature, while also highlighting the limitations of the original study.