Abstract: 【Aim】 The unique geographical environment and climatic conditions of Xingshan County in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of Hubei Province, central China have created abundant insect resources. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the insect diversity in Xingshan County, Hubei Province, to explore the threat factors to insects and to put forward the suggestions for protecting the insect diversity in Xingshan County. 【Methods】 The Xingshan County was divided into 28 grids using GPS positioning system, and each was 10 km both in length and width. The diversity of insects in Xingshan County during the occurrence period (mid-June), outbreak period (mid-August) and overwintering period (mid-October) of insects were investigated and evaluated in 2017 using the line transect survey method. 【Results】 A total of 612 insect species of 136 families in 16 orders were collected and identified from Xingshan County, Hubei Province in 2017. The dominant orders are Lepidoptera (47.39%), Coleoptera (22.88%) and Hemiptera (11.44%). The low-altitude grids in Xingshan County had low insect diversity index and richness, while the high-altitude grids in Xingshan County had high insect diversity index and richness. The highest Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) and Margalef richness index (ds) of insects were found in Huangbo Plain (Longmenhe Forest Farm). 【Conclusion】 The dominant groups of insects in Xingshan County, Hubei Province are Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Habitats in the grids of such as woodland and woodland-shrubland mixture are more suitable for insects. The insect diversity index in the high-altitude habitats with rich vegetation (mainly woodlands and bushes) is significantly higher than that in the low-altitude habitats with a single habitat composition (mainly grasslands, underbushes, vegetable gardens and orchards). The threat factors to insect diversity in Xingshan County mainly include habitat destruction, climate change and pesticide abuse. We recommend that Longmenhe Forest Farm be listed as a key protection and research object based on the investigation of insect diversity in Xingshan County.

Key words:  Insect, species diversity, species richness, threat factor, nature conservation, Three Gorges Reservoir Area