Photos by: Clare Gallagher and Helen Craig
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Recent research published in 2017 described an “insect apocalypse” that brought the signs of general, unexplained reductions in insect abundance to the public and suggested a catastrophe awaits our planet. Currently at a rate of 1-2% loss each year, the "insect apocalypse" is much more surprising and potentially could lead to the demise of all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, and therefore our sustainability with the natural environment.
Our goal is to educate the UMD community of the crucial ecosystem services provided by insects and their relevance to everyone (not just entomologists and farmers!). |
What's an Ecosystem Service?
How Does This Apply to YOUR Major?
African American Studies
American Cockroaches have many links to African American studies. These insects were first brought to America during the transatlantic slave trade. The negative view of these insects has led to the development of the words “roach” and “cockroach” being used as racial slurs. Finally, African American neighborhoods often have problems with cockroaches even today. To make matters worse these are treated with chemicals that make housing in these areas even less bearable to live in (1).
Insects are also a social justice issue. You see most nuisance pests in underserved communities and fewer in wealthier neighborhoods (2). The unequal distribution of resources, access to pest control services, and inadequate housing conditions contribute to the higher incidence of pests in marginalized areas. Beyond being a mere inconvenience, this disparity can lead to health problems and worsen existing inequalities. Addressing this social justice issue requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing targeted support for pest control services, improvements in housing conditions, and sustainable urban planning practices to ensure equitable and fair treatment of all communities facing insect challenges.
(1) American Cockroaches, Racism, and the Ecology of the Slave Ship
(2) Matt Petersen: Bridging insect conservation and social justice
Insects are also a social justice issue. You see most nuisance pests in underserved communities and fewer in wealthier neighborhoods (2). The unequal distribution of resources, access to pest control services, and inadequate housing conditions contribute to the higher incidence of pests in marginalized areas. Beyond being a mere inconvenience, this disparity can lead to health problems and worsen existing inequalities. Addressing this social justice issue requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing targeted support for pest control services, improvements in housing conditions, and sustainable urban planning practices to ensure equitable and fair treatment of all communities facing insect challenges.
(1) American Cockroaches, Racism, and the Ecology of the Slave Ship
(2) Matt Petersen: Bridging insect conservation and social justice
Bugs Aren't Brainless! | Great Minds: Charles Henry Turner
Anthropology
Insects have had some role in culture forever. From worshiping dung beetles in ancient Egypt (1), to a source of food (2), insects have shaped the field of anthropology. In many cultures insects play important roles as symbols for traditions or in religious contexts. For example, crickets have an important place in Japanese folklore and Chinese cricket fighting rings. Crickets have been signs of good fortune in Japan (3). But, in China crickets have shaped underground fighting rings where crickets are bred and fought in secret (3). Additionally, insects have been a source of food for a long time. In North America, the Iroquois an indigenous people, ate cicadas during the periodic years of their emergence (4). Across the globe in Australia, people delight in the sweet taste of honeypot ants as they have for hundreds of years (5). Insects have shaped culture, food and traditions of people since the beginning of human society.
(1) Cultural Entomology
(2) Entomophagy Anthropology
(3) Two Degrees: Does eating bugs help fight climate change?
(4) Peter Kuper INterSECTS Exhibit
(5) What is a Honeypot Ant?
(1) Cultural Entomology
(2) Entomophagy Anthropology
(3) Two Degrees: Does eating bugs help fight climate change?
(4) Peter Kuper INterSECTS Exhibit
(5) What is a Honeypot Ant?
Gordon Eats Honey Ants | Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Architecture
Architects are tasked with making an optimal design for the people or environment they are serving. This includes taking preventative measures to avoid pest insects such as roaches and ants. Creating designs that can protect residents and prevent infestations is crucial to architects. Additionally, they must address mosquitoes because they can be vectors for diseases. This can look like avoiding design features that create standing water because that increases the likelihood for mosquito prevalence (1). Architecture can also be used to not only prevent unwanted insects but encourage beneficial ones. Landscape architectures have the task of collaborating with the environment to create spaces that are welcoming to patrons and beneficial insects. They can place importance on planting wildflowers to enhance visual aesthetics and provide habitat and nutrients for helpful insects (2).
Insects have been used for inspiration of buildings and structures . In Hungary, the Tisza River has a ‘bloom’ of mayflies once a year. This event led to the creation of the Tiszavirag bridge that was made to look like one of these majestic creatures (3).
Finally, insects such as wasps and termites are involved in their own form of architecture. Wasp nests and termite hills are well-ventilated and have the potential to inspire new building techniques (4). Insects are integral to architecture, whether it's through preventing their presence, building to accommodate them, or finding inspiration in their structures. These tiny creatures have a multitude of ways in which they contribute to this field.
(1) Exploring Relationships Between Vector-Borne Diseases and Landscape Architecture: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Landscape Architecture
(2) Sustainable Landscaping
(3) Tiszavirag bridge
(4) See How Termites Inspired a Building That Can Cool Itself | Decoder
(1) Exploring Relationships Between Vector-Borne Diseases and Landscape Architecture: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Landscape Architecture
(2) Sustainable Landscaping
(3) Tiszavirag bridge
(4) See How Termites Inspired a Building That Can Cool Itself | Decoder
Art History
Insects have been in the world of art in a multitude of ways from being used in art materials like paint to their presence in the artwork itself. Cochineal is a scale insect that has been used for Carmina dye for many years. The dye was popular in Mesoamerica with the Aztecs (1300-1521) using it for painting and medicine. Then the dye’s popularity spread to Europe where it was regarded as a high-end luxury and sold to royalty (1).
Across the globe, an intriguing linguistic coincidence emerges, as the Japanese term for butterfly (蝶) happens to be homophonous with the word for 'aged'. In the realm of Chinese ink paintings, butterflies are seen as a symbol of hope for longevity. The traditions of painting insects in Chinese ink painting then gave inspiration to Europeans in the 18th century for scientific drawings (2). Additionally, well-known artists like Vincent van Gogh depicted insects in their artwork during the later years of their lives. Prior to the 17th century, insects held symbolic significance in Western art, representing deeper meanings (3). For example, flies were often used to symbolize death and decay in portraits (4). Insects have been utilized as symbols, subjects, and even materials in paintings throughout different periods of time.
Across the globe, an intriguing linguistic coincidence emerges, as the Japanese term for butterfly (蝶) happens to be homophonous with the word for 'aged'. In the realm of Chinese ink paintings, butterflies are seen as a symbol of hope for longevity. The traditions of painting insects in Chinese ink painting then gave inspiration to Europeans in the 18th century for scientific drawings (2). Additionally, well-known artists like Vincent van Gogh depicted insects in their artwork during the later years of their lives. Prior to the 17th century, insects held symbolic significance in Western art, representing deeper meanings (3). For example, flies were often used to symbolize death and decay in portraits (4). Insects have been utilized as symbols, subjects, and even materials in paintings throughout different periods of time.
(1) Red All Over: How a Tiny Bug Changed the Way We See the World
(2) Beggars, Black Bears, and Butterflies: The Scientific Gaze and Ink Painting in Modern China
(3) BUGGED OUT: Representations of Arthropods in Modern & Contemporary Art
(4) We Spy a Fly!
(2) Beggars, Black Bears, and Butterflies: The Scientific Gaze and Ink Painting in Modern China
(3) BUGGED OUT: Representations of Arthropods in Modern & Contemporary Art
(4) We Spy a Fly!
Van Kessel's insect paintings in 10 minutes | National Gallery
Biology
Entomology, the study of insects and their relatives, is a subfield of biology. However, insects are important in a variety of other biology subfields. For example, developmental biology and genetics utilize fruit flies for research (1). The developmental stages of fruit flies have led to the discovery of Hox genes which are present in almost all animals and important for the placement of body structures (2). Biochemistry uses insects as models for chemical defense. Some of these defenses, such as those in stick bugs, can be used in the medical field to fight cancer (3). Insects also interact with all areas of an ecosystem impacting plants, animals, and aquatic creatures. It is hard to separate insects from biology because they are so intertwined in both biological research.
(1) Six Nobel prizes – what’s the fascination with the fruit fly?
(2) HOX GENES: Seductive Science, Mysterious Mechanisms
(3) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
(1) Six Nobel prizes – what’s the fascination with the fruit fly?
(2) HOX GENES: Seductive Science, Mysterious Mechanisms
(3) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
What Fruit Flies Taught Us About Human Biology
Business
Numerous industries heavily rely on insects for their operations. Specifically, agriculture, forestry, and sericulture (silk production) are profoundly interconnected with the insect world. Agriculture depends heavily on insects to pollinate crops, aerate the soil, decompose organic materials into rich fertilizers, and much more. Forestry relies on a lack of pests and an active, healthy ecosystem. A healthy ecosystem requires all the services that insects provide. Finally, sericulture is an industry entirely dominated by silk moths, without these moths, silk would not exist. The annual value of insects in the US is estimated to be over $57 billion across these industries, highlighting their indispensable contribution (1). Insects should be considered in marketing, financial considerations, and, most importantly, management strategies. Insects can even be their own business, bug growing has been projected to make over $1.5 billion by 2026. This new industry is all about growing insects as a new food source (2, 3).
(1) The Economic Value of Ecological Services Provided by Insects
(2) These 6 startups are creating buzz around edible insects
(3) Why eating insects is about to become big business
(2) These 6 startups are creating buzz around edible insects
(3) Why eating insects is about to become big business
How North America's Largest Cricket Farm Harvests 50 Million A Week | Big Business
Chemistry
Insects have led to the discovery of countless new chemicals and chemical technologies. For example, stick insects secret a variety of pure chemicals for self-defense. Some of these chemicals have been described. Stick insect defense chemicals are dangerous to skin which suggests it has properties that could help fight cancer. Research of ant venoms has led to the discovery of new alkaloids. Melittin is a chemical found in honeybee venom that combats the bacteria associated with HIV and other viruses. Many chemicals that insects produce have not yet been studied and have the potential to help with new medicine, pesticides, industrial processes and other chemical uses (1).
(1) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
(1) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
Insect Chemistry
Communications
The versatility of communication majors opens up numerous opportunities across various industries: marketing, public relations, writing, media, politics, and more! Surprisingly, insects play a significant role in all of these fields. Many companies rely on insects, any company that works with food or fashion has to rely on pollinators and silk moths. Working with global affairs requires interactions with those impacted by mosquito-borne diseases. Additionally, insects are often used as inspiration for art, engineering, architecture and even artificial intelligence. Almost every field is connected to insects in some way. Insects can even be models for communication. Bees are able to communicate through dance to give other bees information about the location of food. Bees have been found to do better at the dances when taught at a young age. This shows one complex way of communicating in non-humans (1).
The Bee Dance
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Insect brain’s are powerful in their ability to be tiny and still allow a variety of distinct cognitive behaviors. Computer scientists are using insect neural networks as models for computer intelligence. Currently, new chips are being developed with this model that are increasingly accurate (1). Insects are gradually propelling the field of computer science forward, making significant contributions, one small thought at a time.
Scientists are combining artificial intelligence and advanced computer technology with biological knowledge to allow for quick identification of insects. This technology allows for the tracking of insects locations and times of emergence as well as the quicker describing and identifying of unknown species (2).
(1) Are Insect Brains the Secret to Great AI? | Frances S. Chance | TED
(2)Artificial intelligence puts focus on the life of insects
Scientists are combining artificial intelligence and advanced computer technology with biological knowledge to allow for quick identification of insects. This technology allows for the tracking of insects locations and times of emergence as well as the quicker describing and identifying of unknown species (2).
(1) Are Insect Brains the Secret to Great AI? | Frances S. Chance | TED
(2)Artificial intelligence puts focus on the life of insects
Are Insect Brains the Secret to Great AI? | Frances S. Chance | TED
Criminology/criminal justice
Forensic entomologists are able to take insect evidence from crime scenes to determine information like a victim’s time of death. This evidence is collected from in and around the body, then it is preserved and analyzed. The types of insects and their life stages give estimates of when the victim died, how long the body has been in the location and sometimes the cause of death. For example if a blow fly larvae are found on a victim, then this provides evidence for a stab wound or bullet hole because blow fly larvae cannot penetrate undamaged skin (1). Another illustration of utilizing insects comes into play when the body tissues are extensively decomposed, making toxicology reports challenging. In such cases, forensic experts can examine the fly larvae found on the tissue, as they may contain traces of drugs or toxins, providing valuable evidence (1). This evidence can often be integral for investigators verifying alibis and solving murders (2).
(1) Forensic Entomology
(2) Forensic Entomology: The Use of Insects in the Investigation of Homicide and Untimely Death
(1) Forensic Entomology
(2) Forensic Entomology: The Use of Insects in the Investigation of Homicide and Untimely Death
How Entomologists Use Insects to Solve Crimes | WIRED
Economics
Insects have tremendous economic importance. Many insects produce useful substances, such as honey, wax, and silk. Honeybees have created honey for thousands of years, an industry that brings in around $8 billion annually in the US alone (1). The impact of insects extends further, as exemplified by the silkworm, which has played a pivotal role in shaping human history through the silk trade, connecting China with the rest of the world (2).
In addition to producing valuable goods, insects offer essential services that are vital to numerous sectors. Native pollinators are likely responsible for almost $3.07 billion of fruits and vegetables produced in the US. Some insect services have been estimated to make up for $60 billion annually for the US, but this number is likely higher since some services like decomposition are harder to quantify (3).
(1) Importance of Insects
(2) Honey market worldwide and in the U.S. - statistics & facts
(3) The Economic Value of Ecological Services Provided by Insects
In addition to producing valuable goods, insects offer essential services that are vital to numerous sectors. Native pollinators are likely responsible for almost $3.07 billion of fruits and vegetables produced in the US. Some insect services have been estimated to make up for $60 billion annually for the US, but this number is likely higher since some services like decomposition are harder to quantify (3).
(1) Importance of Insects
(2) Honey market worldwide and in the U.S. - statistics & facts
(3) The Economic Value of Ecological Services Provided by Insects
Why the US Economy Needs Bees
Engineering
Insect models have been extremely useful for creating small flying robots. Because of the small scale, using mechanisms for plane or bird flight would be ineffective. Insects have specific flight mechanisms that allow them to fly fast on a small scale and even be able to make quick turns by changing their wing movement. Modeling these mechanisms engineers have been able to create small flying robots (1).
(1) Flying Insects and Their Robot Imitators
(1) Flying Insects and Their Robot Imitators
Wing-flapping drone mimics insect flight
English
Insects, despite their small size, have the power to captivate our imagination and inspire entire books dedicated to exploring their fascinating world. Writing is often inspired by insects and insects are often symbols in literature (1). For example,
Whole books can be inspired by these creatures, like Insect Media about insect social organization (2). People tend to express a negative view towards invertebrates despite the important role they play in our ecosystem to carry on human life. Incorporating these little creatures as the protagonist in literature develops curiosity in children and adults around their surroundings (3). By bringing insects to the forefront of literature helps to develops a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world that surrounds us.
(1) Literature and Insects
(2) Insect Media
(3) Interest in Insects: The Role of Entomology in Environmental Education
- Poetry by Emily Dickenson and Edgar Allen Poe,
- Alice in Wonderland
- Charlotte’s Web
- Lord of the Flies
- Fly Guy
- Anansi the Spider
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Whole books can be inspired by these creatures, like Insect Media about insect social organization (2). People tend to express a negative view towards invertebrates despite the important role they play in our ecosystem to carry on human life. Incorporating these little creatures as the protagonist in literature develops curiosity in children and adults around their surroundings (3). By bringing insects to the forefront of literature helps to develops a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world that surrounds us.
(1) Literature and Insects
(2) Insect Media
(3) Interest in Insects: The Role of Entomology in Environmental Education
The Gold-Bug (Short Story) Summary - Written by Edgar Allan Poe
ENST/ENSP
Entomology is a sub-field of biology that is very connected to environmental science. Insects play a vital role in the environment, affecting everything from trees and water to animals like bears. They are essential for ecosystems to thrive, assisting in pollination for plant reproduction and acting as decomposers to keep the environment clean and soil fertile. Insects also provide food for animals, control other pests, and help purify water.
Looking ahead, insects hold potential solutions to some of our challenges with climate change. They offer a protein source that requires less water than traditional meat (1). Additionally, they may help break down plastic pollution (2). With their remarkable contributions, insects prove to be key players in maintaining a balanced and sustainable environment.
(1) Why eating insects is about to become big business
(2) How worms could help solve plastic pollution
Looking ahead, insects hold potential solutions to some of our challenges with climate change. They offer a protein source that requires less water than traditional meat (1). Additionally, they may help break down plastic pollution (2). With their remarkable contributions, insects prove to be key players in maintaining a balanced and sustainable environment.
(1) Why eating insects is about to become big business
(2) How worms could help solve plastic pollution
How worms could help solve plastic pollution
Education
In early education there is no doubt that you will interact with teaching insects in some form. Insects can give children hands-on experiences and get them excited about learning. Many elementary schools allow children to watch butterflies come out of cocoons to show them the process of metamorphosis. Introducing insects at a young age can also mitigate the effects of the stigmas and fears surrounding insects. Keeping insects in the classroom can provide a safe environment for children to learn about nature and appreciate insects (1).
For other education majors it can be useful to understand how insects learn as models for teaching. Studies on honeybees have shown that they do better at communicating when they are taught the communication style at a young age. On the other hand, many insects have little teaching and learn by experience or innate understanding. It is important to understand how these small creatures learn to apply it to teaching others.
(1) Want to teach kids about nature? Insects can help
For other education majors it can be useful to understand how insects learn as models for teaching. Studies on honeybees have shown that they do better at communicating when they are taught the communication style at a young age. On the other hand, many insects have little teaching and learn by experience or innate understanding. It is important to understand how these small creatures learn to apply it to teaching others.
(1) Want to teach kids about nature? Insects can help
Metamorphosis: Caterpillar to Butterfly for Children
Film/Theater
Insects have not only left their mark on the natural world but have also become a prominent source of inspiration in the world of film and theatre. Countless iconic characters and captivating stories have been shaped by these tiny creatures. Movies like Beetlejuice, A Bug's Life, The Bee Movie, James and the Giant Peach, The Ring, and many others owe their existence to the imaginative influence of insects (1). Without these fascinating creatures, such movies and numerous other artistic creations would never have come to life.
One notable subgenre that emerged in the 1950s is science fiction films featuring giant insects, which has enjoyed remarkable success throughout the years (2). These captivating tales often explore the intersection of human fear and fascination with the insect world, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. Insects' ability to intrigue and inspire continues to make a remarkable contribution to the artistic realm of film and theater.
(1) List of films featuring insects
(2) Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science Fiction
One notable subgenre that emerged in the 1950s is science fiction films featuring giant insects, which has enjoyed remarkable success throughout the years (2). These captivating tales often explore the intersection of human fear and fascination with the insect world, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. Insects' ability to intrigue and inspire continues to make a remarkable contribution to the artistic realm of film and theater.
(1) List of films featuring insects
(2) Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science Fiction
Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science Fiction
Government and politics
In 2020, during the Vice Presidential debate, an unexpected visitor in the form of a fly landed in Mike Pence's hair. Surprisingly, this seemingly trivial incident took center stage, spreading like wildfire through internet memes and news outlets. While this fly-gate incident brought attention to the historical debate, it also diverted focus away from the debaters themselves, creating a unique juxtaposition of significance (1, 2).
Additionally, politicians must weigh the importance of insects to many stakeholders. From farmers and environmentalists to physicists and designers, insects hold significance for various individuals and industries that wield considerable influence over the economy (3). Insects can even impact international affairs by influencing global conflict. Throughout history, battles have been shaped by different insect-borne diseases. For example, Spanish troops were impacted by yellow fever spread by mosquitoes in the Spanish-American war and all troops were impacted by typhus through body lice in the trenches of WW1 (4). Even though it might not be obvious, insects can have a large impact on political affairs.
(1) When a Fly Ruins Your Image
(2) Fly on Pence's head steals the show at vice-presidential debate
(3) The Economic Value of Ecological Services Provided by Insects
(4) Insects and War
Additionally, politicians must weigh the importance of insects to many stakeholders. From farmers and environmentalists to physicists and designers, insects hold significance for various individuals and industries that wield considerable influence over the economy (3). Insects can even impact international affairs by influencing global conflict. Throughout history, battles have been shaped by different insect-borne diseases. For example, Spanish troops were impacted by yellow fever spread by mosquitoes in the Spanish-American war and all troops were impacted by typhus through body lice in the trenches of WW1 (4). Even though it might not be obvious, insects can have a large impact on political affairs.
(1) When a Fly Ruins Your Image
(2) Fly on Pence's head steals the show at vice-presidential debate
(3) The Economic Value of Ecological Services Provided by Insects
(4) Insects and War
Fly that landed on Mike Pence head becomes VP debate star
History
Cultural significance of scarab beetles in ancient Egypt
Insects as symbols have been important throughout history. In ancient Egypt paintings and artifacts have been found depicting the scarab beetle. This beetle was thought to roll the sun across the sky each day because of the dung balls it rolls (1). The scarab beetle also represented the cycle of life which was birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Disease carrying insects shaping the outcomes of wars
Insect borne diseases have shaped the outcomes of major historical battles. In 1803 Napoleon’s suppression of Haiti failed due to the French troops being plagued by yellow fever and malaria, two mosquito transmitted diseases. Typhus/Trench fever is a body lice disease that impacted World War I. Both sides suffered from this disease, which likely prolonged the battles (2).
(1) Ancient Egyptian Scarabs: 10 Curated Facts to Know
(2) Insects and War
(1) Ancient Egyptian Scarabs: 10 Curated Facts to Know
(2) Insects and War
War and Mosquitos
Journalism
In the world of journalism, insects can be much more than just a minor obstacle; they can become a captivating subject of interest, generating stories that evoke empathy, concern for endangered species, and awareness about the impact of invasive insects. Insects can also directly impact the lives of journalists and reporters. Insects have the ability to delay reporters from getting to their destination, like the cicadas that delayed reporters and Joe Biden from getting to Europe (1,2). Insects can also be an interesting topic for reporting. They can be sensationalized to get people to care about them being endangered or care about invasive species. Here are some links to news articles influenced by insects:
When a Fly Ruins Your Image -The New York Times
The Insect Apocalypse Is Here -The New York Times
Remember Brood X cicadas? There may be a few more stragglers that emerge this year - USA Today
The spotted lanternfly has been an invasive species in the U.S. for years. Now it may have a natural predator. - CBS News
Bumble Bee Species Declared Endangered in the U.S. for First Time - NBS News
Insects play a vital role in our ecosystem, and media coverage often seeks to shed light on their importance and the environmental challenges they face. However, due to the vast diversity of insect species, misidentifications can occur, leading to misinformation and potential challenges for experts in the field (3). It is crucial for media outlets to exercise caution when portraying insects and to ensure accurate identifications to avoid perpetuating misconceptions.
News articles are often used to change our negative perspective on insects to encourage environmental efforts. The benefits of pollinators are shown and beneficial insects are portrayed to show their roles in our everyday life. There has been an insect decline due to deforestation, etc. and most articles give tips on helping this problem by starting in your own garden (4). By showcasing the significance of pollinators and other beneficial insects, news articles can inspire positive environmental action and contribute to the preservation of these essential creatures amidst the concerning insect decline.
(1) Cicadas delay White House press charter to Europe
(2) A Plane Carrying Biden's Press Corps Was About To Take Off. Then The Cicadas Swarmed
(3) Why are media insects misidentified?
(4) Good Natured Gardening: Why insects matter
When a Fly Ruins Your Image -The New York Times
The Insect Apocalypse Is Here -The New York Times
Remember Brood X cicadas? There may be a few more stragglers that emerge this year - USA Today
The spotted lanternfly has been an invasive species in the U.S. for years. Now it may have a natural predator. - CBS News
Bumble Bee Species Declared Endangered in the U.S. for First Time - NBS News
Insects play a vital role in our ecosystem, and media coverage often seeks to shed light on their importance and the environmental challenges they face. However, due to the vast diversity of insect species, misidentifications can occur, leading to misinformation and potential challenges for experts in the field (3). It is crucial for media outlets to exercise caution when portraying insects and to ensure accurate identifications to avoid perpetuating misconceptions.
News articles are often used to change our negative perspective on insects to encourage environmental efforts. The benefits of pollinators are shown and beneficial insects are portrayed to show their roles in our everyday life. There has been an insect decline due to deforestation, etc. and most articles give tips on helping this problem by starting in your own garden (4). By showcasing the significance of pollinators and other beneficial insects, news articles can inspire positive environmental action and contribute to the preservation of these essential creatures amidst the concerning insect decline.
(1) Cicadas delay White House press charter to Europe
(2) A Plane Carrying Biden's Press Corps Was About To Take Off. Then The Cicadas Swarmed
(3) Why are media insects misidentified?
(4) Good Natured Gardening: Why insects matter
When cicadas attack KSNT reporter
Linguistics/Other Languages
Insects have been used as a model for linguistics for their diverse, complex non-human languages. Two examples are fruit flies and bees. Fruit flies are able to learn different dialects in the form of new visual cues or scents (1). Bees communicate the location of food by performing a dance that indicates the location of food in respect to the sun’s angle and the length of the dance indicates the distance from the hive (2). This connection holds profound relevance to the field of linguistics as it illuminates the intricate evolution of human speech and sound production in contrast to these other languages. Additionally, in the English language there are a few different words people use to describe insects: bug, pest, crawler, creepy-crawly as do all other languages (3). The evolution of a word for insect is important in the study of languages because of how it related to the people living during that time.
(1) Insects Speak in Different Dialects
(2) Bee Wiggle Dance: An Analysis of Insect Langage
(3) General Words for Insects - Macmillan Dictionary
(1) Insects Speak in Different Dialects
(2) Bee Wiggle Dance: An Analysis of Insect Langage
(3) General Words for Insects - Macmillan Dictionary
Insect Communication | Dr Murray Corke
Mathematics
Mathematical Patterns Found In Insects
Hexagonal patterns are important in many insect structures. Bees use hexagonal patterns for storing honey, many insect eggs have hexagon domes for structure and the compound eyes of insects are full of small hexagons. The hexagons in the eyes allow for more angles and more efficient sight (1).
Secrets of Math From the Bee Whisperer
Honeybees can be trained to recognize and understand mathematical concepts. One scientist discovered that they can be trained to understand complex concepts like zero and add and subtract. The scientist, Scarlett Howard, quoted, “It might seem a little strange — bees are insects, after all; what do they know about mathematics? A lot, it turns out. These eusocial flying insects can add, subtract and even comprehend the concept of zero” (2).
Mathematics and insects overlap more than you would expect. Hexagonal shapes are present in many insect eggs for structural support and bees use hexagonal patterns to store honey in hives. It has been found that honeybees can be trained to comprehend concepts like zero as well as adding and subtracting. Additionally, Periodical cicadas have evolved to have cycles that only have lengths of prime numbers to decrease the chances of predators adapting to depend on them.
(1) Why Do Bugs Circle Lights and Fibonacci, and Other Mathematical Patterns Found in Insects
(2) Secrets of Math From the Bee Whisperer
(1) Why Do Bugs Circle Lights and Fibonacci, and Other Mathematical Patterns Found in Insects
(2) Secrets of Math From the Bee Whisperer
MUSIC
There is so much music that has been inspired by the sound or behaviors of insects. Whether it is crickets chirping and ant’s marching, insects have inspired a lot. To name a few: Fireflies by Owl City, The ants go marching one by one, La Cucaracha, and The Beatles. Here are some links to insect inspired music:
Bug Music: Summer Symphony
The Cramps - Human Fly
Phineas and Ferb - Waggle Dance
Owl City - Fireflies
Insects also make music of their own which can help them find mates and communicate with each other. Below is a video about "Nature's Orchestra".
Bug Music: Summer Symphony
The Cramps - Human Fly
Phineas and Ferb - Waggle Dance
Owl City - Fireflies
Insects also make music of their own which can help them find mates and communicate with each other. Below is a video about "Nature's Orchestra".
Understanding Insect Sounds: Nature's Orchestra
Nutrition and Food Science
Many foods rely on pollinators such as apples, blueberries, chocolate, coffee, and tequila (agave) (1), but there are also many people who practice entomophagy - the practice of humans eating insects. Crickets are the most common insect that is eaten by humans. They contain 2-3 times more complete protein than a beef steak of the same weight (2). Crickets also provide more iron, vitamins and fiber. Cricket protein is considered a “complete protein”. That's because it contains all 9 essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, lysine, histidine, and phenylalanine). These amino acids are essential and can only be delivered through your diet. There are many online shops that sell insect protein powder as well as cricket flour. Are you tempted to try entomophagy?
(1) List Of Pollinated Foods
(2) Cricket Farming: The booming business of cricket & insect farming
(1) List Of Pollinated Foods
(2) Cricket Farming: The booming business of cricket & insect farming
Should we all be eating insects?
The joy of eating insects
Physics
Insects, such as bumblebees and flies, possess unique aerodynamic systems distinct from planes or birds, primarily owing to their size. For many years these organisms' flight was thought to be physically impossible. Insect flight is closer to swimming than flying due to the density changes with size. Moreover, unlike birds that rely on tail movements for maneuvering, insects achieve their impressive maneuverability through changes in wing motion. These distinctive characteristics have the potential to introduce novel mechanisms to the field of physics and have inspired the development of small flying robots in robotics and engineering today (1).
An intriguing facet of insects' interconnection with physics is exemplified by a swarm of honeybees, which displays the same electrical charge as a thunderstorm cloud. This fascinating display of static electricity highlights the profound intertwining of biology and physics (2, 3)
(1) Flying Insects and Their Robot Imitators
(2) Insects contribute to atmospheric electricity
(3) Bees and Electric Charge
An intriguing facet of insects' interconnection with physics is exemplified by a swarm of honeybees, which displays the same electrical charge as a thunderstorm cloud. This fascinating display of static electricity highlights the profound intertwining of biology and physics (2, 3)
(1) Flying Insects and Their Robot Imitators
(2) Insects contribute to atmospheric electricity
(3) Bees and Electric Charge
Bees and Electric Charge
Psychology
Insects can help with mental health by being great pets which are cost-effective and safe. In elderly communities, insect pets have been seen to have positive effects on depression and cognitive function. Adding insects to places like nursing homes could positively impact the people living there (1).
Additionally, insects formed the field of comparative psychology. Charles Henry Turner was one of the first published black scientists who studied insect behavior which started the field of comparative psychology and included many of the first animal psychology experiments (2).
(1) Effect of Pet Insects on the Psychological Health of Community-Dwelling Elderly People: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
(2) Bugs Aren't Brainless!
Additionally, insects formed the field of comparative psychology. Charles Henry Turner was one of the first published black scientists who studied insect behavior which started the field of comparative psychology and included many of the first animal psychology experiments (2).
(1) Effect of Pet Insects on the Psychological Health of Community-Dwelling Elderly People: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
(2) Bugs Aren't Brainless!
Why the insect brain is so incredible - Anna Stöckl
Additional reading: The Fear, The Psychology, And True Nature Of Insects
Public health
Insects are highly influential in public health. Some insects are vectors of diseases, like mosquitos. These insects cause millions of deaths a year from diseases they transmit like dengue, malaria and yellow fever (1). Research on mosquitos, like their habitats and behaviors can help prevent the spread of these diseases and save millions. On the other hand, insects can help save lives. Stick insect’s defense chemicals have been thought to have components that may be able to fight cancer and mealybug wax is sometimes used as ointment for cuts (2). Insects are important to public health both as threats and possible solutions to public health issues.
(1) Exploring Relationships Between Vector-Borne Diseases and Landscape Architecture: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Landscape Architecture
(2) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
(1) Exploring Relationships Between Vector-Borne Diseases and Landscape Architecture: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Landscape Architecture
(2) Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery
7 Life-Saving Medicines That Come From Deadly Animals
Public policy
Public policy is affected by endangered, invasive, and pest species. There are many laws that directly impact the existence and population of insects, such as pesticide and insecticide regulations, acts to protect pollinators, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Policies regulating the use of pesticides and insecticides have the most influence on insect populations. Neonicotinoids are widely used pesticides, despite being notoriously bad for pollinators and all other forms of wildlife. Recently, conservation groups have sued the EPA for not performing biological evaluations before approving pesticides, which are required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (1). The EPA recently published the results of their evaluations of these pesticides and found that they were not just adversely affecting insects, but 67-79% of all wildlife (2).
Policies regulating the use of pesticides and insecticides have the most influence on insect populations. Neonicotinoids are widely used pesticides, despite being notoriously bad for pollinators and all other forms of wildlife. Recently, conservation groups have sued the EPA for not performing biological evaluations before approving pesticides, which are required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (1). The EPA recently published the results of their evaluations of these pesticides and found that they were not just adversely affecting insects, but 67-79% of all wildlife (2).
Image above is by Audrey Kim
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 has been the most powerful tool to protect and restore endangered wildlife populations. A summary of the act and the formal document are linked below, as well as insects that are currently threatened or endangered in the United States.
Many citizens are unsatisfied with the EPA’s lax pesticides regulations despite their known harms to humans and wildlife, and some states have taken it upon themselves to create their own pesticide regulations. Maryland enacted the Pollinator Protection Act of 2016 as an effort to increase pollinator populations. The act allows certified pesticide applicators to still use neonicotinoids outdoors, but these chemicals are no longer available on store shelves for gardeners (3).
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 has been the most powerful tool to protect and restore endangered wildlife populations. A summary of the act and the formal document are linked below, as well as insects that are currently threatened or endangered in the United States.
Many citizens are unsatisfied with the EPA’s lax pesticides regulations despite their known harms to humans and wildlife, and some states have taken it upon themselves to create their own pesticide regulations. Maryland enacted the Pollinator Protection Act of 2016 as an effort to increase pollinator populations. The act allows certified pesticide applicators to still use neonicotinoids outdoors, but these chemicals are no longer available on store shelves for gardeners (3).
On another note, the rise of insects of feed has prompted Maryland to enact a bill requiring foods that contain insect flour to be clearly labeled in grocery stores and food menus that will go into effect in October 2023 (4).
(1) Endangered Species Litigation and Associated Pesticide Limitations
(2) EPA Finalizes Biological Evaluations Assessing Potential Effects of Three Neonicotinoid Pesticides on Endangered Species
(3) Pollinators and Pesticides
(4) Public Health - Food Products Containing Insect Flour - Labeling
(1) Endangered Species Litigation and Associated Pesticide Limitations
(2) EPA Finalizes Biological Evaluations Assessing Potential Effects of Three Neonicotinoid Pesticides on Endangered Species
(3) Pollinators and Pesticides
(4) Public Health - Food Products Containing Insect Flour - Labeling
Religion
Throughout history insects have been important symbols in religions. For example, in ancient Egypt the scarab beetle was worshiped because its spherical dung balls were thought to be how the sun was rolled into the sky each day (1). Jewish laws allow the eating of locusts and no other insect because of their role in the 10 plagues (2). In Islam, honeybees are the only creature that ever speaks directly to God in the Quran (3). These are just a few examples of the ways that insects are used in world religion. As signs of destruction or holiness, insects have always had an important place among religious stories and traditions.
(1) Cultural Entomology
(2) Eating locusts: The crunchy, kosher snack taking Israel by swarm
(3) Insects in religion
(1) Cultural Entomology
(2) Eating locusts: The crunchy, kosher snack taking Israel by swarm
(3) Insects in religion
Studio Art
Artist-insect collaborations have occurred throughout centuries to produce unique, memorable art that never fails to fascinate its audience. Just a few years ago, artist Jennifer Angus had her insect art displayed at the Renwick Gallery in DC. She displays insects from all over the world into patterns or swarms, which evoke very different reactions from people (1). Many other artists from all over the world use insects and their features to create textiles, jewelry, paintings and more (1).
(1) The Creepy, Crawling History of Insect Art
(1) The Creepy, Crawling History of Insect Art
Installation of "In The Midnight Garden" by Jennifer Angus Time-lapse for WONDER at Renwick Gallery
Additional resources from the posters above:
- Medical research
- Water Quality
- Cultural Services
- Biocontrol
