Ecological significance of entomofauna and main factors of loss of its biodiversity

Analysis of modern domestic and world scientific sources concerning ecological significance of the entomofauna of agroecosystems was presented and the main factors that cause the loss of species diversity of insects were identified in the article. Biodiversity loss, including entomofauna caused by anthropogenic activity and climate changes over the last 100 years is unprecedented in human history. More than 40% of insect species are extinct, and a third is endangered. According to more optimistic data, the total mass of insects decreases by 2.5% annually, that indicates a high probability of extinction within a century. Habitat degradation, agricultural intensification, climate change and invasive species were identified as major factors of the global loss of entomofauna biodiversity. Habitat degradation as a direct consequence of the expansion and intensification of agricultural production leads not only to the homogenization of ecosystems, but also to an increase in the use of pesticides and agrochemicals that have a negative impact on biodiversity and ecological state of the natural environment. Climate changes, in particular, rising temperatures, affect the life cycle of insects and their geographical distribution, and invasive species change the functioning of ecosystems, displacing local fauna. Climate changes can affect phytophagous insects in several ways: lead to expanding of their geographical distribution, increase winter survival, increase the number of generations, change the interaction between plants and pests, change interspecific interaction, increase the risk of invading migratory pests, increase in plant attack by pathogens passed by insects, reduction the efficiency of biological control, especially natural enemies.