Many nonwestern countries utilize other invertebrates for food such as locusts among Arab populations, or ants, termites, grasshoppers and beetle grubs among African societies. Honey is among the most important food byproducts obtained from invertebrates. In the United States, more than four million bee colonies produce over 90 thousand tons of honey annually, and total world honey production is estimated at greater than 884,000 tons. Another important commercial product derived from invertebrates is the is the silk from silkworms, dating from prehistoric times. Current annual production of silk is estimated at more than 30 million kilograms.
Pearls represent another commercial use of invertebrates with a long historic tradition.
In New Guinea, many villagers are currently engaged in the innovative commercialization of the spectacular lacewing butterflies. Taiwan exports several hundred million dollars of wild butterfly specimens annually. Less easy to document are various aesthetic, cultural and even spiritual benefits derived from invertebrates. Certain invertebrates, most notably butterfly and beetle species, have been used for various aesthetic and decorative purposes. Designs based on invertebrates have been employed in art, jewelry, fashion and other decorative motifs.