Insects play critical role in ecosystems beyond just providing food, new research shows

Insects provide protection, sanitation and even shelter to vertebrates, making them a priority for conservation efforts For many vertebrates, insects are more than a food source. As “little things that run the world”, insects provide critical functions such as protection, sanitation and shelter ...

Source: [Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/30/insects-ecosystems-conservation)