Predator insects get rid of pests in our gardens and crop fields, parasites slow the march of leaf eating insects, and pollinators insure the future production of fruits and vegetables from flowers. This added with your own predator presence in the garden and you have quite a strong defense against plant and crop damage.
If the biology of the Honeybee doesn't spark your interest in Entomology, nothing will. The art of robbing hives for honey was considered a noble profession as early as 5000 B.C. Come to find out, though, the Honeybee holds our fate in their pollen drenched hands.
In the Dark Ages, people believed the Praying Mantis to be a type of little person, a skinny little soothsayer with special friendly powers. They believed that the Mantis could concentrate very hard and see through you to your life, your surroundings, your world. If you were lost, a Mantis could point you in the direction of home, thereby setting you on your merry way. Come to find out, they happen also to be amazing killing machines.
The beautiful candy coated Ladybird Beetle is a powerhouse eating machine when it comes to aphids, mites and scale. And yet, they're so damned cute. We sell Ladybugs in the spring. They're great fun.
Worms are not insects, they're annelids, related to Mollusks, but when you see an earthworm you just want to kiss it. Well, maybe not, but you at least know your garden is leaning towards healthy. Learn about -- and learn to love -- the worm that makes that rich stuff we humans depend upon to grow our food and other worthwhile plants.
There are some excellent Entomology resources on the World Wide Web.
