Everybody knows that bees make honey and pollinate flowers. In economic terms, these are "services" that the insects provide. The insects that quietly go about their business in woodlands, farm fields, and back yards provide services that are worth 57 billion dollars a year. Even that value may be underestimated, according to a recent study published by the American Institute of Biological Science. The study looked at the economic value of tasks undertaken by insects in the wild. Insects form a critical part of many animal food chains, sustaining wildlife and the industries that depend upon them, such as sport and commercial fishing. Native wild insects clear dung from cattle pastures, reclaim soil nutrients from animal waste, and control insect pests. And insects pollinate not only our favorite fruits and vegetables, but also crops grown as forage for dairy cattle and other livestock. With all these roles, it's easy to see how quickly the value of the services provided by insects adds up.

Everybody knows that bees make honey and pollinate flowers. In economic terms, these are "services" that the insects provide. The insects that quietly go about their business in woodlands, farm fields, and back yards provide services that are worth 57 billion dollars a year. Even that value may be underestimated, according to a recent study published by the American Institute of Biological Science. The study looked at the economic value of tasks undertaken by insects in the wild. Insects form a critical part of many animal food chains, sustaining wildlife and the industries that depend upon them, such as sport and commercial fishing. Native wild insects clear dung from cattle pastures, reclaim soil nutrients from animal waste, and control insect pests. And insects pollinate not only our favorite fruits and vegetables, but also crops grown as forage for dairy cattle and other livestock. With all these roles, it's easy to see how quickly the value of the services provided by insects adds up.