Insects may be tiny, but they’re ecological powerhouses that quietly support life all around us. From pollinating plants and recycling waste to serving as food for other animals, insects keep ecosystems functioning smoothly. Bees, butterflies, ants, and beetles each play distinct roles, contributing to agriculture, biodiversity, and even soil health.
Despite their often-underappreciated presence, insects are essential in food webs and natural cycles. Without them, flowering plants would struggle to reproduce, and many birds and mammals would lose a key food source. They’re also biological indicators, when insect populations decline, it often signals bigger environmental issues ahead.
That’s why this edition of World-Wide Q&A celebrates the humble insect. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they remind us that size doesn’t determine impact, and that Earth’s smallest creatures often do the heaviest lifting.