With biting or sucking mouthparts they feed on almost all plant or animal materials.
Insects are important in nature as predators, parasites, scavengers, and as prey.
Many are plant or animal pests and disease carriers. Others pollinate crops or kill insect pests and some produce useful substances, such as honey, beeswax, and silk. . The Macmillan Encyclopedia 2001 2. The Macmillan Encyclopedia 2001 4. All rights reserved.