Eight simple actions that individuals can take to save insects from global declines

Abstract

Insects constitute the vast majority of known animal species and are ubiquitous across terrestrial ecosystems, playing key ecological roles. As prey, they are critical to the survival of countless other species, including the majority of bats, birds, and freshwater fishes (1). As herbivores, predators, and parasites, they are major determinants of the distribution and abundance of innumerable plants and animals. The majority of flowering plants, the dominant component of most terrestrial ecosystems, depend on insects for pollination and hence reproduction. As consumers of waste products, insects are essential to the recycling of nutrients. Humans and their agriculture rely heavily on such “ecosystem services” provided by insects (Fig. 1 A – J ), which together have at least an annual value of ∼$70 billion (2020 valuation) in the United States (2). Insects also provide humans with honey, silk, wax, dyes, and, in many cultures, food. Insects have become essential subjects in medical and basic biological research. Furthermore, insects are one of the most easily accessible forms of wildlife, with a diversity of morphology, life history, and behavior that seems ready-made for inspiring appreciation of nature and its conservation (Fig. 1 K – T ). Fig. 1. Examples of insects that are beneficial to humans ( A – J ), and examples of amazing things that insects do ( K – T ). A , Pollinator: Honey bee ( Apis mellifera ). B , Bumble bee ( Bombus sp.). C , Decomposer: Dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). D , Biocontrol: Ladybird beetle ( Harmonia sp.). E , Ecosystem service: Ants (Formicidae). F , Silk production: Silk moth ( Bombyx mori ). G , Research: Fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ). H , Vaccine development, including coronavirus: Alfalfa looper moth ( Autographa californica ). I , Dye production: Cochineal scale insect ( Dactylopius coccus ). J , Environmental assessment: Stonefly (Plecoptera). K , Visual systems: Dragonflies (e.g., Neurothemis sp.) have near 360° vision. L , Visual defense: … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: kawahara{at}flmnh.ufl.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1