Arthropod of the Month
On this page, we pay attention to the large group of arthropods that suffer severely from pesticide use. This family includes not only the many insects, but also spiders, crustaceans and centipedes. All of them together play an often barely understood by humans but essential role in our ecosystems. They pollinate plants, provide soil fertility and water-holding capacity, and combat pests by maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Every month we highlight a member of this large family in the light of our campaign to better protect these important organisms.
The rose chafer beetle
The rose chafer beetle – looks like a garden model and is an ecosystem hero. They may be labelled “pests” because they feed on flowers, but these beetles are actually doing a vital job for the environment. They pollinate flowers and break down organic matter, helping recycle nutrients back into the soil. Without these beetles, we’d struggle to keep ecosystems and crops healthy. Yet, harmful pesticides continue to threaten them, authorised due to outdated EU guidelines. It’s time for stronger rules that protect the insects we can’t live without
