Entomology is the study of insects, which constitute the largest and most diverse class of animals in the world. Accounting for nearly two-thirds of all known animal species, insects are found in all terrestrial environments on Earth. Some species even live in the oceans. Insects play vital roles in the health and well-being of many other species of both animal and plant life and thereby help to maintain the balance of life on the planet.

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science, 2023. 3p.