Project:

The effect of commercial pesticides on biodiversity of Araneae in Lynbrook, New York

Students:

Asher Abir, Reid Linzer

School:

Lynbrook High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Stoycho Velkovsky

Abstract:

The study aims to determine the impact of suburban insecticide use on spider biodiversity in Lynbrook, New York. Spiders serve as key indicators of ecosystem health, and changes in their population and biodiversity can reveal broader ecological consequences. The research involves comparing spider populations from two suburban properties, one treated with insecticides and one untreated, using the beat sheet collection method over 30 days. Findings will evaluate how commercial insecticides influence spider diversity, with implications for overall ecosystem stability, including pollination and water quality. This research seeks to understand the broader, often overlooked, effects of civilian insecticide use on local biodiversity.

Poster:

Team samples: