I am not an entomologist; the following includes some of my beginner thoughts/conclusions after some of my internet research on insects. You might find these useful as a springboard for observing in your own neighbourhood or wherever you go for walks in nature.
As mentioned in an earlier post “all is not well in the world of insects”. Around the World, there are big declines in insect populations in recent years. (It is not known yet if this is just cyclical, or partly cyclical). At some point fairly late last Summer, I reflected that I hadn’t yet noticed a butterfly that Summer.
I definitely saw more insects in my neighbourhood (it was semi-rural) as a child. I don’t too often notice any now, in my current (suburban) neighbourhood. When’s the last time you saw butterflies?
Some of the reasons we might decide to care or worry about the insects? They have their places; they do things for us. Insects may be “the dominant form of animal life on Earth” (in number of species). I wonder about comparing this to the number of ocean life species.
Insects nourish baby birds. Lizards. Insect-eating frogs. And we have learned that if one piece in nature’s food chain disappears, it can create big problems.
Insects pollinate plants for us & that’s a big benefit. In the EU, for example it has been estimated that “84% of crops depend on insect pollination”. Insect pollinators include many different species of beetles, wasps, bees, flies, butterflies, moths & even: mosquitoes & houseflies (!). E.g. in the U.K. it is believed that “at least 1,500 insect species” are pollinators there.
One fairly simple thing that can be done to help support insect pollinators: one can grow some pollinator-friendly wildflowers, even in a container.
Some of the most effective container plants for attracting bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds too (all are pollinators) are said to be: Agastache, Zinnias, Calendulas, Salvia, Nasturtiums, Cosmos, Verbena, Marigolds, Borage, Heliotrope, Oregano, Asters, Bee Balm, Pincushions & Cornflowers.