Excerpt from School Entomology: An Elementary Textbook of Entomology
Entomology is briefly defined as the study of insects in all their relations and activities. Its importance is due to the numbers of species and the abundance of individuals in the insect group. In both these respects insects form by far the greater portion of our land fauna. Various estimates place the number of species of insects at from one to ten millions and the number of individuals is far beyond calculation. Of these species nearly a half million have been named and described.
The range of insects is almost universal on land, but only a few forms are marine in habitat. Intensively speaking, their range is equally great. In any given locality insects may be found inhabiting every conceivable situation and living on the greatest variety of foods.
When we consider the vast numbers of insect forms and their wide distribution and range in food habits it seems inevitable that many of these forms should clash with man, and this is indeed the case. Many of the earths products which are most useful and highly desirable to man are attractive to insects as well. Man, in his assumed character of the dominant animal, claims prior right and such insects as affect his welfare or comfort are listed as pests.
Less account is taken by man of his insect allies, those forms which minister directly to his needs, or those which, in a roundabout way, add to his pleasure or his revenues.
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