Insects and Society: Roles, Benefits, and Challenges

Insects and Society

Insects play a crucial role in our society, both as beneficial creatures and as pests. They are essential for our ecosystems, providing various beneficial services such as pollination and decomposition of organic waste. Entomophagy, or the consumption of insects, is an increasingly popular practice that offers potential benefits for the environment and human health.

Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects, often referred to as pollinators, play a vital role in our ecosystems. These insects, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, are responsible for pollinating plants, which is crucial for plant reproduction and food production. Insects like beetles and flies also contribute to the decomposition of organic waste, breaking down agricultural and culinary waste when raised in large numbers for food.

Entomophagy

Edible insects, or entomophagy, is the practice of consuming insects for food and medicine. Insects are a sustainable source of protein and other nutrients, and can contribute to the ecosystem services we rely on. For example, the black soldier fly, mealworms, houseflies, crickets, and many other insects can provide direct and indirect ecosystem services like cultural, provision, maintenance, and regulation.

Insects can also contribute to sustainable development within the animal farming sector. The European Union has recently permitted the use of processed insects as feed for fish, and several species of insects can be farmed for human consumption. Insect farming has the potential to help humanity achieve the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations, including zero hunger and good health and well-being.

Insect Pests

While some insects are beneficial, others can be detrimental to our society by damaging crops and causing economic losses. These insects are often referred to as pests. However, it is important to note that many insect pests are also a vital source of micro-nutrients and protein, and can be consumed by humans. Some common insect pests that are consumed include species belonging to the order Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera.

For example, the Bombay locust was once a pest in Thailand, causing damage to maize crops. However, instead of using pesticides, Thai farmers began harvesting the locusts, which are now one of the most popular street food snacks in the country, called patanga. In the United States, swarms of the Rocky Mountain locust used to devastate crops in the Midwest. While these locusts are no longer a problem, the history serves as a reminder of the potential benefits of harvesting and consuming insect pests.

In conclusion, insects play a vital role in our society, both as beneficial creatures and as pests. Entomophagy offers a sustainable solution for global food security and can contribute to various aspects of our ecosystem services. By embracing this practice and recognizing the benefits of insects, we can strive towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future.