There are 20 million insect species on Earth: Three times more than thought

A new study reveals that the number of insect species living on Earth is much higher than previously estimated. Using creative calculations based on insect traps, epidemiology, and trees, scientists estimate that there are approximately 20 million unique insect species on our planet. This figure corresponds to about three times the previous estimates. The study highlights the immense scale of insect diversity and the critical roles these creatures play in ecosystems.

Researchers combined different methods to determine the number of insect species. For example, data obtained from insect traps helped understand species density in specific regions. Epidemiological models were used to estimate the spread and diversity of insect populations. Calculations based on trees also played an important role, especially in estimating the number of insect species in tropical forests. The combination of these methods yielded a figure far beyond previous estimates.

Previous studies suggested that there were approximately 6-7 million insect species on Earth. However, new findings show that this number is at least 20 million. This proves once again that insects are the most diverse group of living beings on our planet. Insects are of vital importance to the functioning of ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and fundamental links in the food chain. Such a high number of species also reveals that more effort needs to be made to protect biological diversity.

The study also shows that many insect species have not yet been discovered and described. Scientists believe there are millions of species waiting to be discovered, especially in tropical regions and deep oceans. This situation increases the importance of biological diversity research. The discovery of new species contributes to basic science and can potentially provide a resource for new medicines, materials, and technologies.

In conclusion, this study radically changes our understanding of insect diversity. 20 million species shows how rich a biological heritage our planet has. However, this diversity faces threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Researchers emphasize that urgent measures need to be taken to protect these species. Considering the roles of insects in ecosystems, their extinction could affect the entire planet.