Somewhere far back in the mists of time we share a common forebear with the insects. Although the insects arrived long before us—they have a head start of several hundred million years—we also have a long shared history, for better and for worse. And there is no doubt that we need them. As the Harvard professor E. O. Wilson wrote, “The truth is that we need invertebrates but they don’t need us. If human beings were to disappear tomorrow, the world would go on with little change. . . . But if invertebrates were to disappear, I doubt that the human species could live more than a few months.”
This means we have everything to gain by caring a bit more about insects. I believe in knowledge, positive talk, and enthusiasm. Be curious about bugs, take the time to look and learn. Teach children about all the strange and useful things insects do. Talk nicely about bugs. Make your garden a better place for flower visitors. Let’s get insects onto the agenda in land-use plans and official reports, agricultural regulations and state budgets. Let us take pleasure in colorful butterflies; let us admire the funny interactions among these little creatures and be thankful that insects step up to work on our behalf.
Insects are strange, intricate, funny, bizarre, fun, charming, and unique and never cease to amaze us. A Canadian insect researcher once said, “The world is rich in small wonders—but so poor in eyes that see them.” My hope is that this book will open more people’s eyes to the weird and wonderful world of insects—and the extraordinary lives they live alongside us on this planet we share.