Preventing insect bites is important to avoid diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Measures include keeping homes insect-free, using flea and tick treatments for pets, eliminating standing water, wearing protective clothing, and using DEET insect repellent. Checking for ticks and seeking medical attention for severe bites is also recommended. Preventing insect bites […]
Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth, with over one million described species and an estimated 6-10 million total. They are found in almost every above-ground environment, including Antarctica. Insect species range in size from 0.139 mm to 55.5 cm. Insects are a success story, with a global biomass estimated at 1012 […]
Insects make up between half and 90% of all animal biodiversity, with over one million species described and estimates of up to 30 million. The oldest known insect fossil is from 396 million years ago, and the most primitive group is the order Archaeognatha. All other insects have wings, being part of the subclass Pterygota, […]
The largest insects ever were members of the extinct Protodonata order, with Meganeuropsis permiana having a wingspan of 75 cm and weighing over 450 g. They were predators, feeding on other insects and small amphibians. The high oxygen levels during the Carboniferous era allowed for larger insects to exist, but the reason for Meganeura’s size […]
Insect ecology studies the interaction between insects and the environment, including their roles as pollinators, decomposers, and disease vectors. Insect ecologists observe insect populations and their relationships with the environment, and study the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Fieldwork and laboratory work are involved, and insect ecologists can work for various organizations. Insect ecology […]
The evolutionary history of insects is unclear, but recent genetic studies suggest they detached from crustaceans about 410 million years ago. The earliest known specimen is the Devonian fossil Rhyniognatha hirsti, which suggests it had already developed flight. The origins of insect flight are still a mystery, but one researcher suggests it evolved from skimming […]
Insect bites can reveal what kind of insect has attacked and whether medical attention is needed. Tick and mosquito bites can carry serious diseases, while bee stings can result in swollen skin. Spider bites may leave blisters or fang marks, and allergic reactions can be dangerous. Changes in appearance, such as pus or red streaks, […]
