Logging on a Splattometer?

There have been dramatic declines in insect numbers, in many parts of the world. Insects include important pollinators, scavengers and detritivores, that are essential components of many ecosystems. The Buglife organisation are hoping to enlist a UK 'army' of 'citizen scientists' to help monitor the extent of declines in insect populations (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/28/count-bug-splats-on-cars-to-study-insect-decline-uk-drivers-urged). Buglife noted a 2019 study carried out in Kent. It found a 50% reduction in splatted bugs on car number plates, compared to 2004 counts. Buglife are offering a free Bugs Matter app to willing participants. The participants would clean their car's front number plate, before undertaking any journey. On their return, they would use an emailed grid that can be superimposed to count the splats on the number plate. The totals would be entered on the app and a picture of the number plate grid uploaded for confirmation. The app would track where and when the car had been, as well as the distance travelled. Changes in the frequency of splats in different UK locations would be generated by the study. It would, however, a) not generally reveal the actual species of splatted insect; b) only apply to flying insect species; c) be limited to insects found along the roadsides and d) reveal nothing about insect numbers in locations very distant from roads. Having said that, 'citizen science' is becoming a helpful tool in many areas of investigation. It might also get some of the participants interested in insect identification.