USP biologist and professor Eduardo Almeida points out that few insects pose a risk to humans and that fear and disgust are cultural
You insects they are part of the most diverse animal group on planet Earth, with more than a million species cataloged and described by scientists. But what does the population lead to? to fear some animals, such as wasps and moths, or have disgustin the case of cockroaches and flies?
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For biologist Eduardo Almeida, professor at the University of São Paulo (USP), the reason is historical and cultural. Despite the diversity of insects, There are few species that pose risks to humansas explained to USP Journal.
Almeida divides insects that can cause harm to people into two categories: those that have poisonous stingers and those who can transmit diseases.
As for the first group, he explains that the stingers are used as defense mechanism of animals when disturbed, such as ants and bees.
The risks, however, are greater in the case of frequent and intense contact, especially with animals that live in colonies. According to the biologist, with the exception of allergic people, many animals would be needed for the bites to constitute a danger to humans.
Regarding insects that transmit diseases, Almeida mentions hematophagous species, which suck blood and can transmit viruses, bacteria and parasites when they feed on hosts, such as Aedes aegizi, known to disperse dengue, zika and chikungunya
In rarer cases, the teacher states this Cockroaches and cicadas can also transmit diseases through food contamination., For example. However, given the diversity of the species, other animals are also culturally viewed with fear by the population.
“Other cultures, practicing entomophagy, that is consumption of insects as a source of proteinthey have a very positive relationship with these animals,” Almeida emphasized.
For the expert, the harmonious coexistence between insects and the population is essential for people to learn about most of the animals that populate the planet. “By learning about insects and their contributions to the ecosystem, such as pollination and decomposition, we can develop a greater appreciation for these organisms, understand that we often depend on them, and reduce some stigmas and prejudices,” he concluded.
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Source: Terra
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