Insects Biodiversity

Insects (class Insecta) are the most species-rich group of animals on Earth — approximately 1 million described species (estimated 5-10 million total) comprising roughly 80% of all animal species. Their global biomass is approximately 1 billion tonnes — roughly 12 times the biomass of all humans. They occupy every terrestrial and freshwater habitat on Earth, perform essential ecological roles (pollination, decomposition, nutrient cycling, prey for other animals), and are essential to virtually every food web. Insect biodiversity is collapsing — a 2019 study estimated 40% of insect species are declining, with a global biomass decline of 2.5% per year. Causes: habitat loss (agriculture), pesticide use (particularly neonicotinoids), light pollution (disrupts navigation and reproduction), and climate change. The consequences for ecosystems (loss of pollination, decomposition, bird food supply) would be catastrophic. Insects as human food (entomophagy) is promoted as a sustainable protein source.