What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science involves public participation in scientific research. As a citizen scientist, you can contribute valuable data about urban insects that helps researchers understand biodiversity patterns, climate change impacts, and ecosystem health in cities.
Data Collection
Record observations of insects in your local area
Documentation
Photograph and document species behavior
Location Mapping
Provide precise location data for species distribution
iNaturalist
The world's largest nature identification community. Perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Key Features:
- • AI-powered species identification
- • Expert community verification
- • Mobile app with offline capability
- • Integration with research databases
Best For:
- • Species identification help
- • Building personal observation records
- • Participating in BioBlitz events
- • Contributing to biodiversity research
eBird (for insect-eating birds)
While focused on birds, eBird data helps understand insect populations through predator-prey relationships.
Indirect Contribution:
- • Bird feeding behavior observations
- • Seasonal migration patterns
- • Habitat quality indicators
- • Urban ecosystem health metrics
Research Value:
- • Insect abundance indicators
- • Ecosystem connectivity data
- • Climate change impact studies
- • Urban planning applications
Project BudBurst
Track plant phenology and its relationship with insect life cycles in urban environments.
Focus Areas:
- • Plant flowering times
- • Leaf emergence patterns
- • Fruit/seed development
- • Insect-plant interactions
Urban Applications:
- • City park monitoring
- • Street tree observations
- • Garden phenology tracking
- • Climate adaptation research
Essential Data Points
Required Information
- Species identification (or best guess)
- Date and time of observation
- Precise location (GPS coordinates)
- Habitat description
- Weather conditions
- High-quality photographs
Additional Value
- Behavior observations (feeding, mating, etc.)
- Associated plant species
- Abundance estimates (how many seen)
- Life stage (adult, larva, pupa)
- Microhabitat details
- Human disturbance level
Photography Standards
Identification Photos
- • Dorsal (top) view
- • Lateral (side) view
- • Head/face detail
- • Wing pattern (if applicable)
Technical Quality
- • Sharp focus on key features
- • Good lighting (avoid harsh shadows)
- • Fill the frame appropriately
- • Multiple angles when possible
Context Photos
- • Habitat overview
- • Host plant (if relevant)
- • Scale reference
- • Behavioral context
iNaturalist Research Grade Criteria
Community Identification
Your observation needs community agreement on species identification.
- • At least 2/3 of identifiers agree on species
- • No recent disagreement on identification
- • Species-level identification (not just genus/family)
Data Quality Requirements
Technical standards that make observations useful for research.
- • Accurate date (within reasonable timeframe)
- • Precise location (not obscured for sensitive species)
- • Evidence of organism (photo, sound, or specimen)
- • Wild organism (not captive or cultivated)
Photo Quality Standards
Visual evidence that allows confident species identification.
- • Clear, well-lit photographs
- • Key identifying features visible
- • Multiple angles when helpful
- • Minimal digital manipulation
Research Impact
Research-grade observations are automatically shared with scientific databases like GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and used in peer-reviewed research studies.
City Nature Challenge
Annual global event where cities compete to document biodiversity. Perfect for urban insect observations.
Urban Wildlife Information Network
Research network studying wildlife in urban environments, including arthropod communities.
Pollinator Monitoring
Various projects tracking urban pollinators and their plant relationships in city environments.
Progressive Skill Development
Start Observing
Begin with common, easily identifiable species in your local area. Focus on learning the platform tools.
Improve Identification Skills
Study field guides, join online communities, and learn from expert feedback on your observations.
Help Others
Start identifying other people's observations and contributing to the community knowledge base.
Lead Projects
Organize local BioBlitz events, create focused projects, or collaborate directly with researchers.