Mothbox: inexpensive, lightweight, automated light trap for scalable insect biodiversity monitoring

O_LIInsects represent the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, and comprise the majority of known species, yet they are seldom accounted for in large-scale biodiversity monitoring systems and conservation planning. C_LIO_LIWe have developed the Mothbox: an automated light trap that uses open science hardware to make insect monitoring accessible to non-specialists and scalable for scientific and conservation purposes. We have also developed Mothbot: a machine learning tool and user interface for processing data from automated light traps. The Mothbox is portable, durable to harsh environments, and low cost to produce, while Mothbot prioritizes human-in-the-loop data validation of computer vision outputs to ensure data quality and aid in developing custom image reference libraries. C_LIO_LIMothbox has now been extensively tested in field conditions; with > 185 deployments, spanning > 450 nights and > 100 sampling locations. The two case studies presented here demonstrate the potential of Mothbox data for behavioural studies and conservation projects. C_LIO_LIAs the young field of automated insect monitoring continues to develop, Mothbox provides an affordable entry point for a wide range of stakeholders. It enables entomologists to explore new research questions by tracking insect diversity in real time and across entire landscapes. Mothbox will help build global insect-monitoring capacity, improving our ability to detect biodiversity loss and guide effective conservation action. C_LI