Pests. Creepy crawlers. Bugs. Insects.They dominate global animal biodiversity in terms of biomass, species numbers and total population numbers, outweighing humanity by 17 times. They are the most varied and abundant animals. They are crucial to ecosystems, providing services such as pollinating flowers, decomposing dead organisms and waste, and forming crucial links in food webs. And they are in trouble.
According to an article in The Guardian, “Plummeting insect numbers threaten collapse of nature,” more than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered. The rate of extinction is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds and reptiles.
If you remember the plot of “Bee Movie,” we’re not talking about a world simply without buzzing, stinging, biting nuisances. Insect declines lead to declines in insect-eating birds and in animal-pollinated plants. The many birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish that eat insects will simply starve to death.
The reason, say experts, of course, is us. Our food industry is dominated by intensive agriculture, particularly the heavy use of pesticides, as well as our need to live in urban environments, and of course climate change.
As families, what we can do about this impending crisis? What can you and your child do about the massive decline of insects?
We can start by fostering a love (or at least an interest) in the fascinating and BIG world of insects. Because we know that once a child is interested, the next step is connection, and then comes stewardship and commitment to the natural world.
Together, with your child, learn all you can about this fascinating class of critters. You can start with our primer, The Animals That Rule the World. Always try to make learning about the natural world active. All About Insects is our fun companion activity book to help kids learn about and love insects in our world. With fun facts about insects, anatomy of an insect, insect art, and insect hunt activity included!
Here are some fascinating facts to help your child become an entomophile, or insect lover.
Insects are the largest and most diverse group of organisms on Earth.
There are nearly 1 million species of insects. Though some scientists believe the actual number may exceed 20 million!
Insects make up about 75% of all described animal species.
Insect bodies have three parts, the thorax, abdomen and head.
Insects have two antennae.
Insects have three pairs of legs.
Some insects, such as gerridae (water striders), are able to walk on the surface of water.
Bees, termites and ants live in well-organized social colonies.
Insects are found on land, in water and in air in nearly all habitats and all continents including Antarctica.
Only male crickets chirp.
Insects are herbivores (plant-eating), scavengers, decomposers, predators that feed on other insects and other arthropods and even some vertebrates as well as parasites
Insects are cold-blooded.
