Insects and spiders are found everywhere in the world. More than a million species of insects have been identified, nearly 100,000 of which live in North America. Because of their small size, their activities are often overlooked as we go about our own lives. Our awareness is focused, however, when the leaves of a prized ornamentals suddenly disappear or when a butterfly floats gently overhead to settle on a bright flower. Beneficial insects perform such services as pollination, honey production and controlling other insects.
Pests cause considerable damage to crops, trees and flowers.
Butterflies are beneficial not only for their beauty, but also feed on nectar, aiding in pollination. In their caterpillar stage, however, they are voracious eaters and will strip the leaves from plants. On the other hand, wasps and yellow jackets, unwelcome guests at the cookout, also drink nectar, participating in the pollination process as well. Pollinate crops and flowers and produce honey. Numbers have been decreasing because of two parasitic mites.