Educating about insects through field experience is one way of convincing society at large that insects are more than just “creepy crawlies”

Photo description: Field work of high school students in Ethiopia.

Entomology offers many options by using insects as an educational model in conservation, such as the study of specific functional groups responsible for crucial ecosystems services. Understanding trophic interactions, such as between plants and herbivorous insects and ecosystem functioning, represent an important cognitive knowledge base for increasing awareness of their local environment and conserving their natural habitats.

Researcher from the Institute of Entomology BC CAS, Greg Lamarre, led an international study that support the programme Des Insectes et des Hommes. The programme involved lectures, workshops and field surveys of insects with a group of 60 high school students in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). It addressed the key stages of an entomological research project including: 1) general entomological knowledge and understanding the role of insects in terrestrial diversity and in ecosystem functioning and services; (2) the proposal of simple research questions including hypothesis development and evaluation using scientific literature; 3) fieldwork using different types of light traps; 4) sorting and identification of the insect orders using simple diagnostic keys and illustrated plates; 5) analysing and interpreting the results and 6) demonstrating findings to peers and a public audience.

Our study reveals that identifying insects, exploring their natural history and understanding their functions in the field bring the students towards a better understanding and awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem conservation. We are encouraging scientists (not only entomologists) in biodiversity research to share their expertise and participate actively, collaborating with local biological education programmes, to increase essential knowledge in ecology and promote awareness about ecosystem conservation.

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Lamarre GPA, Juin Y, Lapied E, Le Gall P, Nakamura A (2018) Using field-based entomological research to promote awareness about forest ecosystem conservation. Nature Conservation 29: 39-56. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.29.26876