Plant cover associated with aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) mediates insect community composition in steppes of Northwest China

Plant cover was an important driving force affecting abundance and family number of insect community. Aboveground net primary productivity and water content of plants had no significant effects on insect community. Although the plant community as a whole did mediate insect composition and community. Future research should explore the ecological role of particular functional groups in plant and insect communities. Supplemental sowing to improve plant diversity in steppe habitat may be another strategy to enhance biodiversity and achieve sustainable management.272