ESTIMATION OF INSECT BIOMASS BY LENGTH AND WIDTH

Length-weight regression models were generated for 10 orders and 35 fa milies of adult and larval insects using a power model. Additional mod els were generated that incorporated width as an independent variable, to account for varying body morphology within insect taxa. Inclusion of width improved the generalized insect model and models at the order level, but was of less value in improving family level models. The pr edictive value of all models was high; estimates were generally within +/-2 mg of the actual values. The parameter values for our models wer e similar to those produced by other researchers.