Leafhoppers at the Edge of the Arctic: Uncovering Hidden Biodiversity in Northern Canada

This study documents the diversity of leafhoppers in the Eastern Canadian Arctic, a region where these insects have remained largely overlooked. Through the Nunavik Sentinels community science program, which engages Indigenous youth, Elders, and local communities, researchers identified 25 leafhopper species, including 14 new regional records for Québec and Labrador.The findings reveal that species richness declines with increasing latitude, although some leafhopper species have successfully adapted to the coldest Arctic environments. This work provides the first baseline assessment of leafhopper diversity in the region and establishes a critical foundation for monitoring the impacts of climate change on northern biodiversity.Beyond filling an important scientific knowledge gap, the study highlights the value of community knowledge and participatory research for detecting potential emerging plant diseases transmitted by leafhoppers. The collaboration between scientists and northern communities demonstrates how biodiversity research can support food security and the conservation of fragile Arctic ecosystems.https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieag054