Earth may have 20 million insect species, far more than previously thought

A new study estimates Earth could be home to as many as 20.3 million insect species, more than three times the previously accepted figure of around 6 million. Researchers arrived at this estimate by conducting extensive field surveys in Costa Rica and extrapolating the results to a global scale. The findings reveal how little is currently known about the planet's insect biodiversity, with the vast majority of species yet to be identified by science. Scientists say the discovery makes insect conservation increasingly urgent, as populations are already experiencing serious declines driven by human activities.