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Insects and Microorganisms

Insects and microorganisms are a vital part of biodiversity. Bees, wasps, butterflies, and other pollinators play a significant role in ecosystems, including our own. Because they are so small, insects are particularly under threat from the warming planet.  A team of 70 scientists from 19 countries warned that if no steps are taken to shield insects from the consequences of climate change, it will “drastically reduce our ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy, functional ecosystems” (Harvey et al.). Climate change will affect pollinators and other insects in the following ways (Harvey et al.): 

  • Hotter and longer heat waves, as well as warming periods in winter, send cues to insects that lead them to emerge from their larval stage too soon. 
  • Climate change will change insect behavioral patterns, and this could lead to higher incidence of disease.
  • The rapid rate of current climate warming impacts insects’ ability to adjust to climatic shifts. They may or may not be able to keep pace with these changes.
  • The loss of insects due to climate change will have a much broader ecological impact. For instance, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians depend on insects as food. 
  • Climate change driven-droughts can alter the plant/pollinator relationships, leading to less numbers of plants due to the absence of pollination, and a decrease in pollinator populations.

What has IDNR Been Doing?

IDNR is a part of a regional initiative to support Monarch butterfly habitats by increasing the numbers of host plants (e.g., milkweed) and nectar sources for Monarch during their active periods in Illinois. State-listed insects have all the protections afforded to other wildlife species under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Microorganisms are an important natural resource because they are essential for soil health. Agriculture depends on microorganisms to grow healthy crops by helping keep carbon and water in the ground. IDNR is just beginning to focus more on microorganism conservation. For instance, IDNR has begun to promote the use of cover crops as part of our agricultural lease program. Cover crops help protect these vital microorganisms.

IDNR has contracted with the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) for several studies on the health of several insect species and what more can be done to conserve important insect species and protect them from the impacts of climate change.  Click the links below to learn more about these research efforts:

Learn More

Educational Resources for Illinois Insects and Spiders
This collection of IDNR educational resources provides a wealth of information about Illinois insects and spiders. Resources include posters, lessons, resource trunks, coloring pages, educational resources and more.  See, for instance, their activity book Wings, Stings, and Leggy Things: Insects of Illinois

Insect Disturbance and Climate Change
This resource from the United States Forest Service provides information about how insects populations will be impacted by climate change and how insect disturbances could impact forest ecosystems.