In California one third of our food production relies on honeybees. Most people know that crops such as almonds, citrus and peaches are pollinated by bees, but few realize that even the cattle industry depends on bees. Without bees to pollinate clover, alfalfa and other livestock feeds, hamburgers would be a rare commodity. Insects can also be incredible pests, devouring crops and spreading diseases such as malaria and sleeping sickness. It takes all the ingenuity humans can muster to deal with pest insects.
Humans seem to be learning that less toxic methods of insect control often work best.
Insects are amazing creatures. Many are also stunningly beautiful.