Butterflies and ladybirds generally get all the love from humankind, while a chronic lack of awareness about the significance of insects to ecology in general leads to the rest of the entomological world—including bees—being deemed villainous, says Pia Krishen, educator and entomology enthusiast, underscoring the importance of bees and other insects to the earth’s ecosystem.
“Type ‘insect’ into Google, and the first thing you’ll see is how to kill them… It’s a travesty. Insects are the most important creatures on this planet,” said Krishen, who was speaking recently at the Museum of Goa’s ‘MOG Sundays’ lecture series on The Journey Into The Insect World.
Krishen has spent years studying insects. Now based in Goa, she is on a mission to transform the way people perceive them, emphasise their ecological importance, and highlight the urgent need to protect them. “We are conditioned to like butterflies and ladybirds. They’re the poster children of the insect world. However, we are trained to hate other insects,” she said.
Among the many fascinating insects Krishen has encountered, the dead leaf mantis stands out for its remarkable camouflage and predatory efficiency. But it’s the misunderstood water scorpion that has left a lasting impression on her. “It looks terrifying, but it’s harmless to humans. The name itself creates fear where none is needed,” she explains. Language, she believes, plays a significant role in shaping our biases against insects.
She also pointed out that Goa’s insect population is under increasing threat. Unchecked construction, habitat destruction, and the disappearance of native species have put immense pressure on these small but crucial creatures. Dragonflies, which depend on freshwater ecosystems, are vanishing as Goan wetlands continue to shrink. Termites, often dismissed as pests, play a key role in maintaining soil health and nutrient cycles.
“If insects go, we go,” Krishen warns, highlighting their role as pollinators and the foundation of the food chain. She expresses concern about an impending ecological crisis known as the ‘insect apocalypse,’ driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and pollution.
As an educator, Krishen is passionate about bridging the gap between science and public understanding. “Children are naturally curious about insects, but that curiosity gets crushed as they grow older. I hope adults can reclaim that sense of wonder,” she says.
Krishen also drew attention to broader conservation issues, particularly the ecological impact of large-scale infrastructure projects in ecologically fragile locations like the Mollem forests in Goa.
“Biodiversity conservation isn’t just about protecting one animal or one tree—it’s about maintaining entire habitats,” she says. “Goa is more than just beaches and nightlife. Its biodiversity is invaluable, and we must protect it,” added Krishen.
