Insects as Ecological Indicators: A Review
Gaurav Chand Ramola, Nidhi Rawat, Ravindra Singh, Ankita Singh Sajwan, Lekhendra Sahu, Pravin Rawat
Abstract
Insects are universal components of ecosystems, and their roles in maintaining ecological balance are multifaceted. They also show a sensitive response to environmental health. Abundance, diversity, and behaviour of insects are sensitive to changes in their environment, rendering them an invaluable indication of ecosystem health. The life cycles of these insects are fast, and they are sensitive to changes in the environment; hence, they become forerunners of disturbance, thus showing changes in the ecosystem before noticeable effects on larger organisms occur. For example, changes in insect populations may indicate changes in the climate, land use, level of pollution, and habitat quality. Terrestrial and aquatic habitats use insects as bio indicators, since different taxa respond to different stressors. While aquatic insects, such as mayflies and stoneflies, are an indication of the health of freshwater ecosystems, terrestrial ones—butterflies, beetles, moths, bees, etc.—indicate habitat fragmentation, pesticide exposure, and climate change impacts. It is through the power of their ecological importance and using advances in technology that these researchers have the potential to leverage this complex world of insects to protect biodiversity forlong-lasting care. This review article focuses on the priority of insects as a beneficiary for monitoring environmental pollution and assessing pollutants.