What would happen if insects disappeared from the planet

The number of insects is decreasing at an alarming rate and this could lead to the extinction of 40% of species in the coming decades, according to a recent scientific study. It may have once crossed your mind that the planet would be a better place without them, but the truth is that their disappearance would cause environmental and food chaos.

O awesome.club tells you about the importance of these animals to the ecosystem and the impact that their extinction would generate. At the end of the post, you will find a bonus with the most dangerous insect for man — some researchers believe that a world without its existence would not be so tragic.

The environmental organization Earthwatch declared bees “the most important living things on the planet”. In addition to producing honey, they are the main pollinators of the animal world, the basis of the natural process that allows the generation of seeds and fruits. Without this pollen transport, agricultural production in the world would decrease by 30% and flowering plants would disappear by 90%.

Despite being essential for human food security and biodiversity, 30% of the population of these insects has declined in the last decade and is on the verge of extinction in some countries. Among the main threat factors are climate change and the use of pesticides. Maybe the episode Black Mirror in which artificial bees are created to fulfill the function of real ones is not so far from becoming reality.

Cockroaches must be among the most hated animals and the reasons for this are many, in addition to their appearance: they transmit bacteria, cause allergies and leave feces wherever they go. However, it is estimated that only 20 species, of the more than 3,500 that exist, are those that bother humans.

Away from cities, cockroaches are a food source for small mammals, birds and reptiles. In addition, they consume decaying matter and their droppings are full of nitrogen, an essential element for plant growth. Therefore, without these insects, an imbalance in the ecosystem would be created, both in the animal and plant world.

It will be difficult for the ant army to disappear. It is estimated between 1 trillion and 10 trillion individuals and is present on all continents except Antarctica. But a world without these insects would pose enormous problems for humans, as they fulfill multiple beneficial ecological functions, such as eliminating pests and aerating the soil.

Although there are more than 14,000 species of ants, with very different characteristics, some disperse the seeds that fall from plants to the ground. Others play a role in pollination. They are also food for several species, including the famous anteater and humans in some cultures. They also feed on decomposing matter, helping to clean and take advantage of organic waste.

Flies are another insect with a bad reputation. They are exclusively related to dirt, disease transmission and the annoying buzzing that resonates in the ear and prevents sleep. And all these characteristics are true, but they also generate a positive impact that is almost not mentioned and that facilitates the survival of human beings.

If flies were extinct, consumption and disposal of animal carcasses would be left to bacteria and fungi, and the process would take much longer. They are also exceptionally necessary for recycling fecal matter. In addition, some species are active pollinators. Ceratopogonids, for example, are important pollinators of tropical crops such as cocoa, which allows chocolate to exist.

There are about 375,000 species of beetles, which makes this insect the most diverse in the world. Many of them cause pests in crops, forest areas and homes. For example, the pine weevil or the bark beetle are considered the most destructive forest pests of pine forests in Mexico and Central America.

But other species have a positive impact. This is the case of the ladybug, which feeds on aphids and helps to control this insect that attacks crops. Coprophages also play a key role, so named because they eat excrement: they are the biggest recyclers of manure and also bury it, which fertilizes the soil. Without this action, the buildup and smell would be unbearable for the ecosystem.

Crickets and their melodious “cri-cri” at night are in danger: a report with the participation of more than 150 international experts warned that 25.7% of the 1,082 existing species of this insect and of locusts could become extinct in Europe. Cultivation in previously virgin areas and the use of pesticides are the main causes of this threat.

There are several reasons why these animals from the Orthoptera group should not disappear: they are a source of food for birds, reptiles and even humans. Chapolines make up a dish of Mexican cuisine, which provides a large amount of protein and low fat. In addition, these species indicate the health and biodiversity of grazing lands.

Spider-Man is one of the most popular superheroes, but very few people would want to have a real spider in their home. Their webs are only welcome as a Halloween decoration. Arachnids are not insects, but they add to our list, as they are also not very dear to humans and play an important role around us.

Most species that coexist with man are not dangerous or aggressive. They live in all habitats where there is life and are important for the ecosystem, mainly as predators of insects and other spiders. In case of extinction, flies, mosquitoes and mosquitoes, in some cases carriers of diseases, would become an unstoppable plague.

These insects are the most dangerous animal in the world for humans, blamed for the deaths of over a million people every year. They are responsible for transmitting infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. More than enough reasons for so many repellents against them.

There is no single view among scientists about what would happen if the 3,500 existing mosquito species disappeared. It is true that this would pose a problem for insects, spiders, salamanders, lizards and frogs that eat them, but studies suggest that they may find another food source. However, it is believed that other animals would not be able to adapt their diet and would disappear, as is the case with mosquito fish, having an effect on the entire food chain.

Which insect do you hate the most? Why do you think that humans generally feel revulsion or fear for these animals? Tell us in the comments section.