Insects hold our planet together — but they’re disappearing. A national study aims to learn more

Entomologists say insects are declining at alarming rates — one major study estimates we’re losing 2% in total insect biomassevery year. Now, the National Academy of Sciences is preparing to embark on a study to understand insect trends across North America.
Tom Wassmer is crouched down in a pasture, staring very intently at some cow manure.

Wassmer is pointing at a nondescript dung beetle, no bigger than a grain of rice, with a shiny black head and a matte brown body. Without the beetle, Wassmer said dung could sit on the ground surface of this Michigan farm for years.

“It would pile up,” said Wassmer, a biology professor at Siena Heights University. “You would probably see no grass anymore.”

He explains how dung beetles break up the manure and take small bits underground, turning the useless manure into accessible nutrients. These insects offer a valuable – if unrecognized – service that improves soil quality, prevents diseases and saves the U.S. cattle industry an estimated $380 million a year.

But Wassmer said he’s concerned to see how vulnerable dung beetles are to threats.