Biodiv Sci

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The status and challenges of insect hotels in the conservation of urban solitary bees and wasps diversity

Hao Zhou1,2, Mingyi Wang1,3, Chuge Zhang1,4,5, Zhishu Xiao1,2*, Fang Ouyang1*   

  1. 1 State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China 

    2 College of Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China 

    3 College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China 

    4 Anxi College of Tea Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362406, China 

    5 The State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China

  • Received:2024-10-28 Revised:2025-02-16 Accepted:2025-04-30
  • Contact: Zhishu Xiao; Fang Ouyang

Abstract:

Aims: Global biodiversity is under serious threat due to the intensification of climate change and human activities in the ecosystems. As a result, governments and the public are increasingly focused on implementing measures to mitigate biodiversity loss. In recent years, insect hotels have emerged as an innovative approach to biodiversity conservation in urban park management, attracting significant attention and being gradually adopted. The primary purpose of insect hotels is to provide breeding, nesting, and overwintering sites for insects—particularly solitary bees—in urban environments. By doing so, insect hotels contribute to maintaining species diversity and population stability. However, a comprehensive understanding regarding of the effectiveness and challenges of insect hotels in conserving urban insect diversity is still lacking. 

Progresses: To address this, we review the global research status of insect hotels, including aspects such as the number of studies, geographical distribution, targeted species, and the materials and specifications of nesting tubes. 

Prospects: Furthermore, we summarize the positive impacts (pollination, pest control, and popular science education) and limitations (low occupancy rate, non protected species, increased harm from natural enemies and pathogens) of insect hotels in promoting solitary bees diversity in urban environments and propose specific improvement strategies. This study aims to provide a scientific foundation and practical guidance for sustainable development of urban biodiversity.

Key words: insect hotels, trap-nests, urban insects, solitary bees, diversity conservation