Insects

Are Insects nothing more than an annoying fly, mosquito and spider which we are so afraid of? 

Insects are one of the most diverse group of animals on the planet, of which there are more 1 million species and represent MORE than half of all living organisms on earth!  Fossilised Insects have been discovered of which the Dragonfly has a wing span of 70cm!! 

The value of Insects to humans are discussed and are for example: 

• Tasty honey from the Honeybee who have been producing honey for more tan 30 million years! 
• That Bees are responsible for more than 80% of all pollination, in simple terms – no Bees, no food!! 
• The humble Silkworm produces around 30 000 Tons of raw silk in China per year 
• The Lac from the Lac Scale Insect – without this we would not have shoe polish, floor polish and printers ink 
• Many species of scale insects supply dye which is utilised for cosmetics such as lipstick, cake colouring, medicine and beverages 
• Aesthetic value for humans – the beautiful butterflies and Beetles 
• Some Insect’s bodies are utlised to build watches in 

In certain countries almost all insects are consumed by humans and serve as a huge source of income – for example cockroaches, grasshoppers, scorpions, spiders, worms and unfortunately cats and dogs. 

How does Insects camouflage themselves – can it be that the Longhorn Beetle camouflage himself to look just like his biggest enemy – the Wasp?? 

Simple Insects like Beetles and the Praying Mantis have been worshipped over centuries.  Insects play a fundamental role in the survival of humans, animals and the earth; maybe we should be more attentive to them and appreciate them!! 

We explore who are the enemies of Insects, that they are more of a benefit than a pest, and the most important of all, how do we conserve them, also how each child can make a difference to ensure that Insects stay part of our wonderful earth!