The tropics abound with insect diversity; yet we hardly know about a tenth of them. Destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation, monoculture and urbanization results in their extermination or change of habits, often with devastating results. If the insects are to be properly managed for the benefit of mankind, an inventory of them should be taken before they are destroyed and their habits and habitats studied. A team of well trained taxonomists is required. Taxonomie centres are to be developed where taxonomists can be trained and insect collections can be housed and studied. Taxonomie manpower and resources should be developed in various countries of the tropics so that the rich and abundant insect diversity is studied and finally utilized for the benefit of mankind.
