The "We Need To Protect Our Insects Before It's Too Late," Story

It was an ordinary day.  Trying to find my fly-swatter so I can get rid of a few of the flies that  are bothering me.  I'm sure you have felt the same way from time to time.  But, can you imagine how tough it must be to be an insect?  We try and swat them, stomp on them and even spray them with hundreds of different types of sprays that can be found in your local store.  And, no one really cares!  Why should we care since they tend to be a nuisance?  In most states insects are not considered wildlife.  Now, I know that flies aren't the same as butterflies or beetles, but they do fall into the same category of being an insect.  And, in many states it is illegal to kill insects...which means flies!  Bees, butterflies and beetles pollinate plants and provide a critical protein source for species up the food chain.  The U.S. Forest Service puts it simply: "Without pollinators, the human race and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive."  Just so happens...they are the little things that run the world.  But, that's where the problem begins.  All those little things are increasingly threatened.  Scientists are reporting alarming declines in many species of insects.  Some are vulnerable to climate changes such as droughts and heat as well as being sprayed with pesticides and subjected to light pollution.  I live in the State of Pennsylvania and in my state, insects aren't protected.  They are simply left out of state conservation statutes.  State agencies value wildlife, but seem to forget the little insects.  Why aren't insects protected in some states?  Well, It seems that there's nobody in charge of conservation of insects.  Many states have statues to save wildlife which would include wild birds, wild mammals, nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and fish, including their eggs or spawn.  Insects are left off the list of protected items.  Even in states that are empowered to protect insects, they tend to be a low priority compared to mammals, birds, fish and even reptiles and amphibians.  Recently in California insects were included with fish to try and help protect them.  Now who would have thought that if they hadn't read about it?  Most states don't worry about insects being protected since most people don't hunt them or fish for them.  But, insects represent a huge share of animal species, almost 80%.  Some states seem to be waking up to the problem.  Nevada added a bill to protect insects that are pollinators.  Now...would you know what insects are involved in that category?  I wouldn't.  But, states seem to realize that they need to do something to protect insects.  A citizen-science project has recorded thousands of observations of native insects which they are trying to protect.  But, in many places only suggestions are given which means insects still aren't officially protected.  

The Monarch butterfly is one insect that is in trouble.  They have declined by 90% since the 1980s.  Something more needs to be done before all the insects that we have grown to love disappear.  Perhaps a letter to a state Senator or Representative might help.  If we don't do something soon, All our favorite insects will be wiped off the planet.  Then what will we do?  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.