via UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
A period of mass extinction threatens insects – and the humans and animals who depend on them
It’s not just bees and butterflies that are under threat: UConn entomologist and Professor David Wagner says all kinds of insects are at risk for “a death by a thousand cuts.” This is alarming, since insects play vital roles in earth’s ecosystems, including pollination of plants, driving food webs around the planet, and cycling nutrients.
The insect decline is attributed to multiple factors, including the climate crisis, agricultural intensification, development, deforestation, and the introduction of exotic and invasive species into new environments. Wagner cautions that many of these creatures will not be with us for much longer, and says people must act swiftly to help prevent these tremendous losses before it is too late.
Wagner remains hopeful, and says there are many actions that can be taken now — from encouraging political leaders to enact policy changes, to simply letting part of the front lawn grow freely to provide a food-rich environment for insects.
“This planet isn’t here for us to exploit,” Wagner says.
Original Article: Confronting the ‘Insect Apocalypse’
More from: University of Connecticut
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Insect apocalypse
- The Naturalist's Journal: When the natural world warrants a word you can’t say on TV
Opening up the Weather Channel website on my laptop is usually the first thing I do every morning — OK, truth in journalism, there’s always something else, but checking the ...
- Plant apocalypse: how new diseases are destroying EU trees and crops
From ancient olive groves to root vegetables, foreign pests introduced via the bloc’s open import system are causing damage worth billions – and outbreaks are on the rise ...
- With 1T cicadas emerging in US, will Florida be impacted?
With trillions of cicadas expected to emerge across the U.S., you may be wondering — is Florida going to get overrun with cicadas this year?
- Your yard can help avert the insect apocalypse. Here’s how.
Bees and the rest of class Insecta need you. Here’s how to build bug mansions on your balcony or in your backyard. The best part? The laziest gardeners make the best bug architects.
- Is nothing sacred? Now it turns out moths aren't always drawn to a flame
Tim notes scientists are baffled by moths' declining interest in light. Does it mean they've lost interest, or are we headed for an insect apocalypse?
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Insect apocalypse
[google_news title=”” keyword=”insect apocalypse” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Insect decline
- Everyone can see the tree bark but you have 20/20 vision if you can spot the camouflaged insect in under 15 seconds
Here’s a hint: the insect is a brownish-red color ... Improved concentration and attention span can help prevent cognitive decline in old age. Optical illusions can improve eyesight by allowing you to ...
- ‘Red flag’: Bug splats on cars reveal a staggering drop in insect numbers over last 20 years
New research has discovered that the number of bugs across the United Kingdom has lessened by a concerning amount over the last two decades.
- Kent Wildlife Trust and Bugs Matter survey reveals ‘unsustainable’ decline in flying insects
Flying insect numbers in Kent are declining at an unsustainable rate, fear wildlife experts behind the latest survey into the health of our ecosystem.
- 'Bug splat' survey records 'staggering' drop in number of insects squashed on cars
Drivers taking part in the Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife survey were asked to count the insects squashed on their vehicles - with the results described as "extremely concerning".
- ‘Bug splat’ survey shows 78% decline in flying insects in two decades
Bug splat’ survey shows 78% decline in flying insects in two decades - The citizen science project asks people to record the number of flying insects that are squashed on their car number plates after ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Insect decline
[google_news title=”” keyword=”insect decline” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]