Insects and Society

Insects interact with our society in a number of ways. During the next few weeks we will examine several of these beneficial interactions between humans and insects. In these sections, we will examine the importance of such interactions as insect pollination and the role of insects in solving criminal investigations.

Insect pests have enemies: a large group of insects that attack insect pests. These beneficial insects -- the ones doing the attacking -- are typically called natural enemies and their actions are included in the concept of biological control.

We will also explore several examples of the use of insects in scientific studies and several insect products that humans place monetary values on. (Yes -- we buy items made by insects.)

Here are some examples of beneficial interactions between insects and humans:

• Insect pollination of agricultural crops
• Biological control of insect pests
• Insect clues in criminal investigations
• Scientific studies – genetics and population dynamics
• Insect products