Entomologist Ishan Pahade highlighted at the Dharwad lecture that insects and spiders are the backbone of ecosystems. Their contributions to pollination, nutrient cycling, and food security are vastly underappreciated.

  • Insects and spiders are vital for ecological balance
  • Key role in pollination and food security
  • Citizen‑science needed for conservation

The Ecological Role of Insects

Entomologist and founder‑director of the Entomon Institute of Invertebrate Zoology, Pune, Ishan Pahade stressed that insects and spiders are among nature’s most critical components. These tiny organisms pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, control pests, and serve as food for birds, amphibians, and countless other animals.

Impact on Agriculture

Nearly three‑quarters of flowering plants and a large share of major crops depend on insects such as bees, butterflies, moths and beetles for pollination. Without them, fruit, vegetable, oilseed and grain yields would plummet, threatening biodiversity and human livelihoods alike.

Read Also:China's Solar Energy Expansion Linked to Significant Loss in Bird Biodiversity

Spiders: Unsung Predators

Spider specialist Atharva Kulkarni noted that India hosts over 4,000 spider species, yet only about half are scientifically documented. Habitat loss may have already erased many species before they were ever recorded.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that diminishing insect and spider populations could trigger cascading effects on food chains, agricultural economies, and climate resilience, making immediate citizen‑science involvement crucial.

"Without insects and spiders, our ecosystems would become unstable, which is why active conservation is imperative," said Ishan Pahade.
Did You Know?: Around 90% of all known animal species are insects, and most remain undescribed.

Citizen Science and Conservation Efforts

Experts urged local communities to document insect and spider diversity through photography, field notes, and online platforms. Such crowdsourced data can feed research, guide conservation planning, and support biodiversity boards.

Local Conservation Initiatives

Nature First Eco Village in Halligeri is developing specialized conservation gardens, including a frog habitat called Batracarium and dedicated plots for rare butterflies, moths, spiders, and bees, to promote environmental education and biodiversity awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How will a decline in insects affect agriculture?
Answer: Reduced pollination will lower crop yields, driving up food prices and diminishing farmer incomes.

Question 2: How can ordinary citizens help?
Answer: By photographing local insects and spiders, uploading observations to citizen‑science platforms, and participating in school‑based surveys.