Non-Destructive Methods Revolutionize Insect Research: How To Learn More About Insects Using Image Processing

Insects are among the most diverse and abundant life forms on Earth, but they are also often the subject of destructive research methods that harm or kill them.

A team of international researchers, led by Senior Researcher Emeritus Gábor L. Lövei from the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, has called for a change in the way insects are studied.

They have published a paper titled "The need for a (non-destructive) method revolution in entomology" in the journal Biological Conservation, where they highlight the benefits and challenges of using non-lethal methods to study insects.

Why non-destructive methods are needed

(Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

The researchers argued that traditional methods of insect research, such as collecting, killing, and dissecting specimens, are not only unethical and harmful to biodiversity, but also limit our understanding of insect behavior, life cycles, interactions, and ecosystem contributions.

They point out that many insect species are difficult to identify based on their morphology alone, and that killing them prevents further studies on their genetics, physiology, or ecology.

Non-destructive methods, on the other hand, allow researchers to observe and analyze insects in their natural environment without harming them.

These methods include advanced imaging techniques, such as cameras and microscopes, molecular biology techniques, such as DNA barcoding and metabarcoding, and data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

By combining these methods with modern computational techniques, huge amounts of data can be collected and processed, revealing patterns and insights that would otherwise be impossible to obtain.

The researchers also emphasize that non-destructive methods have several advantages over destructive ones.

They allow us to preserve insect samples for later studies, which can be useful for taxonomic revisions, genetic analyses, or environmental monitoring.

They also reduce the impact of research on insect populations and habitats, which can help conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Moreover, they are more ethical and respectful towards nature, which can foster a positive attitude towards insects among researchers and the public.

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How to implement non-destructive methods in entomology

The researchers acknowledge that non-destructive methods are not without challenges and limitations.

They require specialized equipment, skills, and infrastructure, which may not be available or affordable for all researchers or institutions.

They also require careful planning, design, and validation of experiments, as well as standardization and sharing of protocols and data.

They may also face ethical and legal issues regarding the collection, storage, and use of biological samples and information.

To overcome these challenges and promote a non-destructive methodological change in entomology, the researchers suggest several actions and recommendations.

They called for more research and development of technologies that can support non-destructive methods, such as portable devices, wireless sensors, or drones.

They also urged for more collaboration and communication among entomologists and other disciplines, such as computer scientists, engineers, or ethicists.

According to the researchers, education and training on non-destructive methods for students and researchers should be advocated for, as well as more outreach and engagement with the public and policymakers.

The researchers hoped that their paper will spark a movement toward a gentler approach to insect research.

They believe that this approach has the potential to further our understanding of arthropods and their role in the ecosystem while causing less damage to them.

By changing our approach to the study of insects, they said, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet and its many living organisms.

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