Introduction:

Insects are a crucial component of biotic communities, providing essential ecological functions and
ecosystem services. They represent a dominant form of animal biomass and life on earth, occupying a
wide range of trophic niches in their natural ecosystems, including herbivory, carnivory, and detritus
feeding. Insects are abundant in all terrestrial ecosystems and exhibit a wide variation among species in
almost any aspect of their biology. Due to their large numbers and great intra- and interspecific variety,
the functional significance of insects is enormous, and the ecosystem services they provide are vital.
Insects are key components in diverse ecosystems, playing major roles in the functioning of ecosystem
processes. However, the ecological importance of insects often goes unnoticed, as they are mostly
perceived as pests or potential pests. The main ecological functions of insects in ecosystems include
ecosystem cycling, dung burial, pollination, predation/parasitism, and decomposition.
(Scudder, 2017)

Usefulness of insects
Insects as Dung burial:
Dung beetles play a vital role in dung burial. They are paying attention to fresh animal dung and use it as
a food source and a place to lay their eggs. Process of dung burial involves.
1. Detection: Dung beetles have an amazing sense of smell and can detect dung from long distances.
2. Collection: Once they find a dung pile, dung beetles start rolling it into small balls or use their
specialized mouthparts to break it down into smaller pieces.
3. Burial: The dung beetles then bury these dung balls or pieces in the ground. They dig tunnels beneath
the dung pile and push the dung inside, sometimes even burying it several inches deep.
4. Food and Nesting: The buried dung serves as a food source for the adult beetles and nourishment for
their developing larvae. The beetles lay their eggs in the buried dung, ensuring a safe and nutrient-rich
environment for their offspring.
5. Soil Enrichment: As the dung beetles bury the dung, they also mix it with the soil, enhancing its
fertility. This process helps break down the dung, speeds up decomposition, and contributes to nutrient
cycling in the ecosystem.
By burying dung, dung beetles not only help clean up the environment but also promote healthy soil and
contribute to the overall balance of ecosystems. They're incredible little creatures.
Figure 1: beetles as dung burial
Role of inects in pollination:
When it comes to pollination, insects like bees, butterflies, flies, and even beetles play a vital role. Here’s
how the process typically works:
Attraction: Flowers produce colorful petals and sweet-smelling nectar to attract insects. The insects
are drawn to the flowers as they search for food.
Collection: As the insects land on the flowers, they come into contact with the reproductive parts of
the flower, such as the stamens (male parts) that hold the pollen.
Pollen Transfer: While the insects feed on the nectar, pollen grains attach to their bodies, particularly
on their legs, hairs, and mouthparts. This pollen can come from the same flower or a different flower
of the same plant species.
Flower Visitation: The insects then move on to another flower, seeking more nectar. As they land on
the next flower, some of the pollen grains that are still attached to their bodies rub off onto the stigma
(female part) of the flower.
Fertilization: The transferred pollen reaches the ovules in the flower’s ovary, leading to fertilization.
This fertilization process results in the development of seeds within the flowe
Fruit Formation: With successful fertilization, the flower’s ovary begins to develop into a fruit,
protecting and nourishing the developing seeds.
Seed Dispersal: Once the fruit matures, it often contains seeds. Animals or environmental factors
then help disperse the seeds, allowing new plants to grow in different locations.
(Losey & Vaughan, 2006)
Figure 2: insects in pollination

Insects in pest control:

Insects play a crucial role in pest control by acting as natural predators and keeping pest populations in
check. Here are some important insects involve in pest control.
1. Ladybugs: Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are well-known for their
voracious appetite for aphids, which are common garden pests. A single ladybug can consume
hundreds of aphids in a day, helping to prevent infestations and protect plants.
Figure 3: Ladybug
 2. Praying Mantises: Praying mantises are powerful predators that feed on a variety of insects,
including flies, mosquitoes, and even other mantises. They are highly effective at controlling pest
populations in gardens and agricultural fields.

Figure 4: Praying mantises

3. Lacewings: Lacewings are delicate insects with beautiful, lacy wings. Their larvae, known as
aphid lions, are fierce predators that feed on aphids, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied pests. They
are commonly used in biological pest control programs.

Figure 5: Lacewings

4. Parasitic Wasps: Parasitic wasps are tiny insects that lay their eggs inside or on the bodies of other
insects, such as caterpillars or aphids. When the wasp larvae hatch, they feed on the host insect,
ultimately killing it. These wasps are used to control pests like caterpillars and whiteflies.

Figure 6: Parasitic wasps

 5. Nematodes: While not technically insects, nematodes are microscopic roundworms that are used

in biological pest control. Certain species of nematodes parasitize and kill insect pests, including
grubs, weevils, and fleas.
By relying on these natural predators, we can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can have
negative impacts on the environment and human health. Incorporating insect-friendly practices, such as
planting diverse native plants and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides, can help encourage
beneficial insects and promote natural pest control in our surroundings.
(Kremen & Chaplin-Kramer, 2007)

Uses of insects in food industry

Insects that can be eaten by humans are safe to do so. They are also loaded with nutrients such protein,
minerals, dietary fibers, riboflavin, and vitamins, making them delicacies in some cultures.
The food business has transformed insects into food goods including flour, energy bars, pasta, and snacks
to raise customer interest in the market.
Crickets, locusts, house flies, and a number of other insects are mass-produced for human consumption.

References:
o Kremen, C., & Chaplin-Kramer, R. (2007). Insects as providers of ecosystem
services: crop pollination and pest control. Insect conservation biology:
proceedings of the royal entomological society’s 23rd symposium,
o Losey, J. E., & Vaughan, M. (2006). The economic value of ecological services
provided by insects. Bioscience, 56(4), 311-323.
o Schoenly, K., Beaver, R., & Heumier, T. (1991). On the trophic relations of
insects: a food-web approach. The American Naturalist, 137(5), 597-638.
o Scudder, G. G. (2017). The importance of insects. Insect biodiversity: science and
society, 9-43.