New virtual splatometer to help citizen scientists

The Bugs Matter survey involves citizen scientists counting the number of insect splats on their number plates after a journey. New virtual ‘splatometer’ makes counting and photographing splats even easier and improves the sustainability of the survey.
The 2022 survey revealed a dramatic reduction in insect splats of 35% per decade since 2004.

Conservation charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife have launched the Bugs Matter 2023 Survey, introducing a new virtual ‘splatometer’ to measure insect splats on number plates as a measure of insect abundance. This ground-breaking initiative aims to measure the alarming decline in insect numbers repeatedly reported across the United Kingdom and the globe.

New virtual splatometer to help citizen scientists

Last year’s results from the Bugs Matter citizen science survey revealed a dramatic decrease in insect populations. Across the UK, the survey found a staggering decrease of 64% in the number of insects splatted on vehicle number plates between 2004 and 2022. The annual Bugs Matter survey is valuable tool to better understand trends in insect abundance up and down the UK.

The important question to answer now is whether the results from the past two years of the survey indicate a long-term trend. The Bugs Matter team needs more and more citizen scientists to sign up and take part ever year to provide a long-term, reliable dataset. The results of Bugs Matter will better inform effective conservation strategies to halt and reverse declining insect trends across the country.

One key development for this year’s survey is the discontinuation of paper ‘splatometers’ – grids used to record the number of insects splatted on number plates as a measure of insect abundance. Previously, participants had to wait for their splatometer to be posted, causing potential delays in data collection. Now, with the switch to a virtual template, individuals can instantly and seamlessly take part in the survey. This improvement not only increases the survey’s efficiency, but also promotes sustainability through reduced printing, paper and postage.

The Bugs Matter survey encourages citizen scientists across the UK to collect valuable data on how insect numbers are faring. By participating, anyone can contribute to a nationwide effort to monitor insect populations in order to develop targeted conservation measures.

Dr Lawrence Ball at Kent Wildlife Trust says, “By joining the Bugs Matter survey, every participant becomes a vital contributor to our understanding of insect population numbers across the country. The survey enables us to collect data efficiently and sustainably, thanks to the elimination of paper splatometers this year. Together, we can make a difference in preserving populations of our valuable insects.”

Prof Karim Vahed, England Manager at Buglife says: “Given the dramatic decline in flying insect abundance over the last two decades, it is vital that we continue to monitor the situation via the Bugs Matter survey; and it is now easier than ever to take part.”

The Bugs Matter survey is running from June 1 to August 31 2023, aligning with peak insect activity. Participants can visit the Bugs Matter website (buglife.org.uk/get-involved/surveys/bugs-matter/) to download the free app for iOS and Android

Buglife |

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates our aim is to halt the extinction of invertebrate species and to achieve sustainable populations of invertebrates. Invertebrates are vitally important to a healthy planet – humans and other life forms could not survive without them. The food we eat, the fish we catch, the birds we see, the flowers we smell and the hum of life we hear, simply would not exist without bugs. Invertebrates underpin life on earth and without them the world’s ecosystems would collapse. www.buglife.org.uk

Kent Wildlife Trust |

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres.?We work closely with local communities, landowners, and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast, and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent. The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development; and educates and inspire young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.?Visit our website here: kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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