Why study insects and their allies?
Invertebrates are just about the most abundant creatures on the earth, accounting for about 95% of all animal species. They have been around for millions of years and occupy just about every kind of habitat you can think of. As such, no matter what you do or where you go, you are bound to encounter these animals. Many invertebrates can be be beneficial to man such a honeybees which provide honey and pollinate crops, or silkworms that provide silk. In some cultures invertebrates themselves are utilised as food for people and form a regular part of their diet. Other species are considered pests of man and are responsible for such things as spreading diseases and eating our crops, clothes, furnishings and structures. Other can be just plain annoying when they bite or sting. However, on the whole most invertebrates hold no significance to man at all, except as interesting creatures to observe and share our world with. It is often for this reason that many people begin a career of studying
