Insects are essential to vertebrate life—as food, shelter and medicine

Insects play a critical, multi‑layered role in the lives of vertebrate animals, extending far beyond their function as a protein source. Field observations show chimpanzees deliberately applying insects to wounds, using their antimicrobial properties to sterilise cuts. Herons have been recorded dropping insects into water to attract fish, effectively using them as bait. Sloths host moths in their fur; the moths help cultivate algae that the sloth later consumes, creating a mutualistic food chain. Several bird and reptile species lay their eggs inside termite mounds, exploiting the stable temperature and humidity the structures provide. In arid regions, certain desert frogs seek refuge in ant nests, where the nest’s moisture helps prevent desiccation. These examples illustrate how insects underpin nutrition, health, shelter and reproductive success across a wide range of vertebrates. Collectively, these relationships demonstrate that insects are integral to vertebrate survival, influencing diet, disease resistance and habitat selection. What to watch: monitor insect population health as it underpins broader ecosystem stability.

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This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Phys.org