Nitrogen content of insects by trophic level compiled from 31 sources

This dataset contains Nitrogen (N) content for 143 species of terrestrial insects, nine species of aquatic insects, and two species of spiders. Data were compiled from 31 published and unpublished sources. In total the data represent 152 species of insects amongst 131 genera, 65 families, and 9 orders (Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Mantodea, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera). In this dataset "percent N content" describes the N content as a percentage of dry body mass. Also included is information on trophic position, developmental stage, adult body length (in millimeters) and taxonomy for each species. This dataset accompanies the publication: Fagan, William F., et al. "Nitrogen in insects: implications for trophic complexity and species diversification." The American Naturalist 160.6 (2002): 784-802.