Entomoforestry: An overview of a novel concept on insect prospecting

Abstract

Entomoforestry is the practice of combining trees (Forestry) and insects (Entomology), as in the raising of stick-lac, bees for honey production, silkworm for silk production, pollination services by bees and other insects, insects for decomposition and nutrient recycling, insects for ecological monitoring as indicators of landscape and climate changes, insects as food and medicine and for aesthetic values. Host plants of these insects are trees in natural stands and plantations as well. Hence trees for insects and their byproducts of great utility warrants the emergence of new discipline, Entomoforestry. This article gives an overview of Entomoforestry opportunities in India.