Animals of Instagram: taxonomic bias in science communication online

There are currently no published studies examining taxonomic bias on Instagram. To address this knowledge gap, study examined seven popular science communication accounts for a year and found that the majority of posts featured vertebrates. However, non-insect invertebrates attracted highest measures positive audience engagement (likes, views comments), suggesting mismatch between preferences science-seeking audiences online information being offered to them. These results challenge traditional notions charismatic megafauna could improve conservation outcomes traditionally under-represented species like invertebrates.