Insect behavior in conservation

Some of the many ways in which understanding insect behavior can contribute to the conservation of threatened insect species, and complement the more widely acknowledged base of ecological knowledge, are outlined in a variety of different contexts to exemplify their importance and roles. Patterns of resource use by insects and their adaptability to environmental changes range from highly specific and non-flexible to the ability to adapt more readily, with many species of highest conservation concern linked with specializations that restrict their potential to change. Practical contexts discussed briefly include the discovery and use of resources, the problems of monitoring and assessing conservation priority and need, the options available as environments are changed, the difficulties of behavioral studies on rare and localized species, how behavior may link with vulnerability, and the integration of behavioral intricacies with insect conservation practice, helping to educate and encourage interest in this discipline.