A simple method to estimate insect mortality from field census data: A modification of the Kiritani-Nakasuji-Manly method

Various methods have been proposed to estimate demographic parameters such as mortality from field census data. Simple methods proposed earlier are applicable only for limited situations. For example, the Kiritani-Nakasuji-Manly method is applicable only if individuals are observable until their death. Improved methods proposed later are not subject to such limitations, but are not so widely used in the field of applied entomology, probably because of the complexity of the calculations involved. In this paper, I propose an intermediate method that requires only a pocket calculator, considering the practical convenience for field scientists. This method, which is a modification of the Kiritani-Nakasuji-Manly method, gives an estimate of the number of individuals entering a stage from the frequency of two stages when the stage duration is known.