Insects - Beneficial or Bothersome?

Insects - Beneficial or Bothersome? Insects are everywhere. About 75% of all animals known to man are insects. They are on every continent and occupy every habitat. Because they have the ability to adapt to whatever nature brings them, they are the most successful of all animals. Just one square yard of forest soil may contain over 30,000 insects!

Insects are necessary to life on our planet. They are a vital part of all ecosystems. This includes the ecosystem that we live in as well as the ecosystems that provide us with food, fiber, timber, and most of the other organic necessities of life.

Insects = Beneficial

Decomposers/Recyclers
Insects (as well as bacteria and fungi) are essential to the decomposition of dead animals, dead plants, and feces. Insects act as natural recycling agents when they help with the decaying process.

Pollinators
It has been estimated that about 80% of the world's plants are dependent upon insects for pollination. Just about the only plants that could survive without insects are those that are pollinated by the wind.

Pest Controllers
Many insects feed on other insects that destroy plant crops.

Food Sources for Other Animals
Many fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and other insects depend upon insects as their main source of food.

Provide Products for Humans
Insects provide silk, honey, beeswax, and ingredients for such items as shellac, dyes, and drugs. Some insects are also a food souce for humans.

Medical Research
Insects contribute to medical research--particularly in the field of genetics.

Soil Engineers
Many insects loosen and unpack the soil to make it possible for plants to grow.

Insects = Harmful

Pests

Insects are the greatest pests of human food supplies. In some countries insects can consume or destroy up to half of all plant crops.
Insects damage plants that provide us with fiber for fabric.
Insects damage the world's timber supply.
Insects can damage building materials, books, and even clothing.

Health Threats
Insects can transmit disease. More people have died from diseases spread by insects than from all the wars in history.

Bothersome Annoyances
Insects can sting, bite, and annoy humans and other animals. If large numbers of insects bite and annoy livestock, it can result in economic loss to farmers and ranchers.

Visit the sites listed below. For each one, write down if the spotlighted insect is beneficial or harmful and explain why for each one.

Ladybird Beetle.

Yellowjacket

Colorado Potato Beetle

Minibeast Profiles: Butterflies and Moths

Dragonflies and Damselflies

The American Burying Beetle

World Health Organization : Malaria Control

Madagascan Giant Hissing Roaches

Ground Beetle

Black Flies

Cat Fleas

Diptera -Tachinidae

Author: LINDA MOSBACKER - Email linda.mosbacker@slc.k12.ut.us