Insect Week is observed every year in the last full week of June. This year, it takes place from June 23 to 29. It’s a one-of-a-kind event for those who are fascinated by insects and entomology. Hundreds of events take place across the United Kingdom for a week, giving people the opportunity to learn about insects, compete in various competitions, and meet experts in the field. So, if you even have a mild interest in insects, this week should be a lot of fun for you.
History of Insect Week
The green slime was the first sign of life on the planet. Then came the dinosaurs, who went extinct, and then came the regular-sized mammals, who eventually gave way to man. Have you ever wondered what happened before dinosaurs? There’s a whole chain of events missing between the green slime and dinosaurs. Let us remind you that insects existed long before dinosaurs.
Since prehistoric times, insects have ruled the earth. They are one-of-a-kind in many ways; their lack of a backbone renders them spineless, but they muster the courage and strength to mess with humans. Some of them eat up the furniture, ruin the clothes, eat up entire crops, and store a deadly poison lethal enough to kill humans in their bodies. The more we stifle these pests, the more deadly they become. So, if someone asks you why you’re interested in insects, you can always say, “It’s always better to know about your adversary.”
Aside from the amusing aspects, insects have coexisted with and evolved alongside all other animal groups. Their presence may annoy us at times, but remember that insects have taught us a lot. Entomologists are people who are fascinated by insects and their various types, lives, and characteristics, and entomology is the study of insects.
Because entomologists and ecologists have made significant contributions to this field, the Royal Entomological Society has decided to hold a week-long appreciation drive for them. The Prince of Wales, for example, has spoken out in support of the celebration.
Insect Week timeline
Insects appear around the same time that plants begin to grow.
Pliny the Elder, a natural philosopher, publishes the first book on insect classification.
Ulisse Aldrovandi publishes his book “De Animalibus Insectis,” which begins modern scientific research on insects.
Prof David Bellamy (O.B.E.), Kate Humble, and others lend their support to the Insect Week celebration.
Insect Week FAQs
What is the total number of insect species?
There are approximately one million insect species that have been discovered. Scientists estimate that there are approximately 10 million species in total.
Which is the most deadly insect?
Mosquitoes have killed more people than any other insect on the planet. There may be more venomous insects out there, but mosquitoes have the highest population.
Which is the biggest insect museum in the world?
The Montreal Insectarium is the world’s largest insect museum.
Insect Week Activities
Visit an Insect Museum
You can go to your local insect museum to learn about the various types of insects that have existed and continue to exist around the world. You never know what wonders you may uncover.
Attend a lecture
If you have even the slightest interest in insects, there will be high-profile entomologists giving lectures this week. Attend one of them and broaden your horizons.
Host a seminar
If you work at a university, you can host a seminar where you invite a renowned expert in the field to speak about insects and entomology. You can give them a certificate of appreciation for their efforts after the seminar.
5 Amazing Facts About Insects
Insects have an exoskeleton
Insects, believe it or not, have an exoskeleton that allows them to lift objects 20 times their own weight.
Spiders are not insects
Spiders are not insects; they have different characteristics than insects, despite sharing the same ancestors.
Ability to walk on water
Some insects can walk on water.
Insects do not have blood vessels
They use a completely different circulatory system to transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Not all insects are bugs
Bugs belong to a distinct group within the mega insect kingdom that distinguishes them from other insects.
Why We Love Insect Week
They’re an essential part of nature
It is important to note that insects and all bugs can live without humans, but once insects become extinct, all humans will become extinct within 50 years. This means that the natural world that nurtures us will continue to exist and thrive, but we will not be able to exist without it. All of the changes we are bringing to the planet are harming it, and if we do not change our ways, we will perish soon.
They teach us many things
Insects have influenced us in a variety of ways, from carrying many times more weight to having an exoskeleton to creating remarkable habitable colonies. These magnificent creatures, while sometimes dangerous, play a larger role in the ecosystem and are thus as important as water and air. We will be able to learn more about their impact as we learn more about them.
They gave us the Antman
Imagine if Antman hadn't returned from the Quantum Realm to save the Avengers and used time travel to undo what Thanos had done in the past. Thanos snapped, wiping out half of all life. We love this brilliant character!
Insect Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 20 | Monday |
| 2023 | June 19 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 24 | Monday |
| 2025 | June 23 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 22 | Monday |
