We can learn a lot from bugs. They make great things out of nothing. We have seen what silk moths have made for humans. Now let's look at some more amazing animal inventions.
A spittlebug can make foam for its home. It gets its name from spittle, which is saliva. The foam looks like bubbles. It keeps other animals away. It also keeps the spittlebugs warm and makes sure they don’t dry out.
Termites are known for eating wood. They are also great builders. They can build mounds up to 9 metres high. The mounds have long tunnels. Termites even make air tunnels. They make sure that the mound does not get too hot or cold.
Termites have wings. They fly until they find somewhere to build their nest. When they have found it, they shed their wings. They have no need for them anymore.
Spiders are underappreciated. Everyone is scared of them. But nobody talks about how useful they are. They help keep us infection-free by eating flies. Flies carry harmful bacteria for humans.
They also build great things. Many spiders build webs. Their webs are strong. Scientists have studied their webs for years. They help them create new materials.
But the leaf curling spider adds something special. It takes a dead leaf and curls it up. It puts the dead leaf in the middle of its web. It hides in its home and waits for the web to catch its lunch.
Lac scales are insects that make an important product for humans. They create lac, an ingredient in lacquer. It is used to make wood and metal shiny. It protects it and makes it last longer. Lac is also used in printer ink.
Some insects are so colourful that they are used to make dye. The bright dye is used to make make-up, cake colouring, and drinks. Think about that next time you have a colourful drink!
In some countries, insects are a good food source. In Thailand, people eat grasshoppers and crickets. In Ghana, people eat termites. They fry them or use them to make bread. They are a good source of protein. Some people say that eating insects is better for the environment than eating meat. We might all be eating insects in the future!
But insects don't have to make something to help us. Insects don't have to be food to help us. Some insects have their aesthetics to offer. Butterflies are beautiful. Ladybugs are lovely. Sometimes, insects are just nice to look at.
Insects are the most common animals on our planet. Without insects, our world would look very different. The food chain would be ruined. Maybe they aren't as bad as they seem.