Why Study Arthropods?

Some attack our crops Some attack stored products Some attack our domestic animals Some attack us and suck blood Some are venomous Some transmit diseases Many provide pollination services, especially for fruit, some vegetable and forage crops Many destroy pest species, such as ladybird beetles eating aphids Some produce products such as honey, dyes, and shellac Some are edible and are used as food in many parts of the world Many act as garbage collectors, destroying old wood, manure and plant waste Some are used for evidence in crimes Most are important in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems (crustaceans in the ocean) and serve as both a basis for the food chain and either primary (herbivorous) or secondary (carnivorous) consumers Many fish and song birds, as well as reptiles rely on them for food Their shapes, biology and behavior are fascinating Their colors and patterns have inspired artists, poets, writers and even musicians We know very little about most species There are literally millions of species or life stages that have not even been described They serve as great model organisms for studies in genetics, physiology, behavior and evolution Life on earth might well be impossible without them Finally, arthropods are very cool!