Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions

Without decomposers, dead trees and leaves would pile up in forests, and we would be walking knee deep in dung and animal carcasses. Insect decomposers help to recycle these materials and many others back into the earth, recycling the nutrients to be used by other organisms again. This module unearths the importance of these decomposers to our ecosystem, and even discusses some ways these insects can be used to help solve crimes.

This module focuses on the vegetarians of the insect world. A long evolutionary history with plants has led to the development of some interesting feeding strategies in insects, and some wild defenses in the plants they eat. Some of these herbivores can be important pests, and may change entire ecosystems through their feeding.

Over millions of years, pollinators have formed a close relationship with flowering plants, and have helped shape our society and the world around us. Today, many crops are reliant on pollinating insects, and entire industries have been developed around beekeeping. We explore pollination and beekeeping in this module, and discuss some of the challenges pollinators face in our rapidly changing world.

Many globally important diseases can be transmitted by insects, and insects themselves can present a nuisance in some situations. This module compares different modes of disease transmission, and highlights some important diseases of plants, humans, and other animals.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a pillar of modern crop production, and the preservation of ecosystem function/health. A variety of chemical pesticides can be a part of IPM programs. The different insecticides available to manage insect pests vary in many regards, such as their modes of action and application. The use of these pesticides is not without risks, however, and these must be considered if we want to reap the benefits these chemicals can provide.

Biological and cultural control strategies are critical components of IPM systems that allow us to control pests in different ways, and reduce the input of chemical pesticides into the environment. This module introduces these two approaches, and a wide variety of biological control agents which can be employed to control insect pests.

Many of us have thought at one time or another that the world may be better off without pest insects like mosquitoes. This module aims to change that view, as we discuss the importance of insect conservation and the variety of ways the changing world impacts insect populations.

Entomologists are not the only ones to be inspired by the insect world. From historical myths and folklore, to modern art, film, and even video games; insects and other arthropods have appeared throughout human culture. They have even influenced the development of new technologies, and could be part of the solution to global issues like food shortages.

We hope that you have enjoyed the course, and walk away with a newfound appreciation for the insect world. Check out this module to hear about your instructors favourite insects, and don’t forget to complete the post-course quiz to see if your perceptions have changed!