Context

In the recent years, there is an ‘insect apocalypse’ underway across the world. Insects have declined by 75% in the past 50 years – and the consequences may soon be catastrophic.

About

What is insect?

• Any small creature with six jointed legs and a body divided into three parts namely head, thorax and abdomen is known as an ‘insect’.
• They have wings, two antennae and an exoskeleton. Ants, bees and flies are insects.
• ‘Entomology’ is the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology.
• There may be as many as 10 million species of insects including:
  • 3, 60,000 species of beetle
  • 1, 80,000 species of butterfly and moth
  • 1, 20,000 fly species
  • 1, 10,000 species of bees, wasps and ants
  • 82,000 true bug species (cicadas, aphids, mealy bugs, etc)
  • 20,000 species of grasshoppers
  • 5,000 dragonfly species
  • 2,000 praying mantis species
    

Threats causing insect apocalypse

• Habitat loss
• Climate change
• Particulate Matter
• Land-use change
• Insecticides
• Light pollution
• Invasive species 

Why insects matter?

Insects have an essential role to play in the ecosystem.

• Crop productivity: They pollinate many of fruits, flowers and vegetables, contributing significantly to the productivity of at least 75 per cent of global crop species.
• Food security: Their services are vital for India’s food security.
• Pest control: Insects keep pests in check. For example-
  • Ladybird preys on aphids that damage crops.
  • Insects such as ladybird beetles, lacewings, parasite wasps, etc, control other insects, arthropods and vertebrates.
• Food source: Insects are also food sources for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• Economic significance: Insects have economic importance as well. They provide honey, silk, wax and other products.