@article{WU2026, 
author = {Yan-Jin WU and Xu-Dong ZHA and Wei-Zi CHEN and Zhong-Han YUE and Jashenko ROMAN and Lan HE and Rong JI},
title = {Analysis of population dynamics and flight characteristics of airborne insects along the China-Kazakhstan border},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Environmental Entomology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {76-85},
keywords = {China-Kazakhstan border, insect radar, population dynamics, flight altitude, flight direction},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.3969/j.issn.1674-0858.2026.01.7},
doi = {10.3969/j.issn.1674-0858.2026.01.7},
abstract = {AimThis study aimed to investigate the community composition, population dynamics, and flight characteristics of airborne insects in the China-Kazakhstan (hereafter referred to as Sino-Kazakh) border region.MethodsA systematic monitoring study was conducted from June to August in 2023 and 2024 in the Tacheng border area of Xinjiang. The research integrated insect radars, high-altitude light traps and ground light traps. The dominant species were also given special attention.ResultsThe results revealed that Coleoptera (55.92%) and Lepidoptera (30.17%) were the dominant taxonomic groups in the airborne insect community, while Ephemeroptera accounted for the lowest proportion (0.03%). The dominant species were identified as Scotogramma trifolii (Hufnagel) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The flight heights of both species were primarily concentrated between 200 m and 300 m, with their main flight directions being northeast or east-northeast. Specifically, the peak period, nocturnal flight time, and flight speed for S. trifolii were July 10, 2023; 23:00-01:00 (the next day); and 0~6 m/s, respectively. In contrast, for H. armigera, these parameters were August 25, 2024; 22:00-02:00 (the next day); and 14~16 m/s, respectively.ConclusionThis study further clarifies the community composition, seasonal dynamics, and aerial behavioral characteristics of dominant airborne insect groups along the Sino-Kazakh border. The findings hold significant practical value for utilizing entomological radar in the monitoring, early warning, and regional cooperative management of migratory pests in this border region.}
}