EntSoc Insect Biodiversity Task Force Aims to Standardize Terminology Surrounding Insect Decline
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EmailTo help improve communication around insect decline, MSU Entomology Ph.D. student DeShae Dillard assisted in the development of a new glossary standardizing insect biodiversity loss terminology.
The “Insect Apocalypse” has made a splash in recent headlines, garnering attention from scientists, policymakers and members of the general public concerned about insect population decline. However, terminology remains inconsistent because of the relatively recent prioritization of insect conservation.
Entomologists working in different sectors (e.g., education, government, small businesses) may use distinctly different terminology. As Awad et al. (2025) explains, “...someone monitoring larval mosquito populations for urban disease control may describe their work in very different ways than someone working in butterfly habitat conservation.”
This communication barrier has made it difficult to connect insect biodiversity data with efforts to coordinate comprehensive mitigation strategies. For these reasons, The Entomological Society of America (EntSoc) established the Insect Biodiversity Presidential Task Force, of which MSU Entomology PhD student DeShae Dillard, was a member.
The result of this task force was the creation of a glossary relevant to insect decline to improve and standardize communication between entomologists and others working to address the various interrelated challenges of research, policy, and outreach surrounding this dire issue.
As part of this process, they were entrusted to work with each of EntSoc’s six branches to modify aspects of their work to better support insect protection and conservation. Additionally, the Task Force went on to survey members of EntSoc to identify individuals involved in insect decline research, aiming to connect experts and foster broader connections across sectors.
Building on these initiatives, the glossary serves as a practical tool to foster more inclusive communication across diverse audiences. By clarifying language and minimizing jargon, this resource encourages a common vocabulary when discussing insect declines. This accessible set of definitions not only encourages collaboration but has the potential to push this topic to the forefront of broader conservation efforts.
“My experience on the Task Force highlighted how early we are in effectively communicating insect conservation and driving lasting change to mitigate biodiversity loss,” Dillard said. “Achieving real change is difficult without clear communication, and I hope this glossary moves us closer to a shared understanding—especially with policymakers and the general public.”
In a time of ecological urgency, clear and accurate communication is essential. When all stakeholders use the same terminology, efforts to address insect biodiversity loss become focused and effective.
