The Insect Calculator: A web tool to predict meadow arthropods based on mowing impacts

Abstract Although the biodiversity crisis and insect decline have received increasing scientific and public attention, they persist. Measures to stop biodiversity loss do not yet appear to be effective. A key step forward is to bridge science and practice, with digital tools and data‐driven environmental education playing a crucial role. To provide an evidence‐based tool that shows the negative effects of mowing on insects and spiders, we developed the ‘Insect Calculator’ ( insektentaschenrechner.de/en ). Using a large, comprehensive dataset from suction sampling across various grassland types and urban green spaces in Germany and Switzerland, the Insect Calculator models, visualises and communicates the effects of different detailed mowing regimes and other parameters, such as urban isolation surrounding grasslands, on arthropod density and species richness. Two different modes of the Insect Calculator, which require different levels of knowledge, are available to users: the ‘Walking mode’ for interested laypersons and the ‘Expert mode’ mainly for grassland management practitioners. For example, the tool shows that 73% more arthropods can be found in unmown meadows than in mown ones. It also highlights that, compared to bar mowers, mulchers cause a greater decline in insect populations, as well as the influence of other factors, including cutting height, width and frequency. One particular benefit of the Insect Calculator is that it shows how arthropods are affected by these various factors applied in conjunction. Solution . The Insect Calculator is an informative and user‐friendly tool designed to enhance environmental education by illustrating the severe effects of mowing on insects and spiders. Users themselves can answer questions about how to support arthropods. The proposed tool aims to inspire the development of similar tools that bridge the gap between science and practice in biodiversity conservation while also addressing other biodiversity threats.