Chapter 1. The importance, diversity, and conservation of insects


Charles Darwin inspecting beetles collected during the voyage of the Beagle. (After various sources, especially Huxley & Kettlewell 1965 and Futuyma 1986.)
Charles Darwin inspecting beetles collected during the voyage of the Beagle. (After various sources, especially Huxley & Kettlewell 1965 and Futuyma 1986.)


1. The importance, diversity, and conservation of insects

1.1. What is entomology?

1.2. The importance of insects

1.3.1. The described taxonomic richness of insects

1.3.2. The estimated taxonomic richness of insects

1.3.3. The location of insect species richness

1.3.4. Some reasons for insect species richness

1.4. Naming and classification of insects

1.5. Insects in popular culture and commerce

1.6.1. Insects as human food: entomophagy

1.6.2. Insects as feed for domesticated animals

1.7. Insect conservation

 Further reading