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A new study led by researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County suggests that California is home to far more insect species than previously documented. Published in the scientific journal Ecography, the research estimates that at least 61,000 insect species may live across the state, with approximately one-third still unknown to science or not formally described. The project involved scientists from several institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Riverside, the California Academy of Sciences, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. The findings reveal how much scientists still have to learn about insect biodiversity, even in a state that has been extensively studied.

To investigate California’s insect diversity, the researchers used a technique called DNA barcoding, which identifies organisms by examining a short section of their genetic material. This method helps scientists distinguish insects that may look similar but have different genetic characteristics. Through the California Insect Barcoding Initiative, the research team analyzed more than one million insect specimens collected across the state. They gathered insects using special traps at 72 long-term sampling sites and additional collection methods at 454 other locations. By comparing DNA sequences, the researchers identified distinct genetic groups and estimated how many insect species might remain undocumented.

The results suggest that the insects collected so far represent only about 65% to 69% of California’s estimated insect diversity. The researchers also discovered that insect communities vary considerably across different environments. The Southern California Mountains and the Mojave Basin and Range were among the regions with the highest estimated insect species richness. This means that California’s deserts, mountains, forests, and other habitats may support distinctive insect communities, including species that are uncommon or absent elsewhere. However, the scientists emphasized that these estimates are preliminary because some areas have not been sampled as extensively as others. In addition, DNA differences do not automatically confirm that every identified genetic group represents a separate biological species.

The study highlights the importance of understanding insect biodiversity when making environmental conservation decisions. Insects provide essential ecological services, including pollinating plants, breaking down organic materials, controlling pests, and supporting food webs. Yet many conservation assessments focus primarily on larger animals and plants, leaving insects underrepresented. By creating a publicly accessible DNA reference library, the researchers hope to make it easier for scientists to identify insect species, monitor changes in biodiversity, and locate areas that may need additional protection. The findings also raise an important question: How many insect species could disappear before scientists have an opportunity to identify and study them? Although the research does not directly measure insect population declines, it provides a valuable foundation for future biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.

References

Baker, A. J., et al. (2026). DNA barcoding of more than one million insect specimens indicates that at least one third of California’s insect biodiversity remains undiscovered. Ecography, Article e08572. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecog.08572

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