Abstract
BACKGROUND: Insect migration plays a crucial role in the spread of pests and diseases, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. However, our current understanding of migratory patterns, particularly cross-border migration, in the arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia remains limited. To address this, a continuous 6-year study (2018-2023) was conducted using entomological radar to monitor insect swarms during the growing season in the Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. This study focused on observing the flight direction, altitude and behavioral changes of nocturnal insects, and analyzed the meteorological conditions associated with insect layering in the atmosphere. Lagrangian particle dispersion models were used to examine the migratory trajectories of the insect populations. RESULTS: Medium-sized insects (10-70 mg) showed a clear preference for migratory directions (northward in July, eastward in August and east-southeastward in September), whereas large-sized insects (70-500 mg) only showed an eastward migratory preference in August. The number of migratory insects was concentrated in areas with the highest wind velocity in July and the highest temperatures in September. Among the 30 selected nights with moderate insect outbreaks in August, the migratory trajectories of insects on 20 nights were directed eastward, concentrating in the Tacheng Region. CONCLUSION: Multiyear radar observations revealed a predominant eastward nocturnal insect migration phenomenon along the China-Kazakhstan border, with model analysis indicating that the Tacheng area is a key aggregation zone. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding insect migration patterns in this region, and for cross-border pest monitoring, the development of an early warning system. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.