109
Knid's insects
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You raise your hand and ask "Aren't snakes better than insects? They're bigger and cleverer for a start."

"Spoken like a true Snakefang student! Snakes! Pshaw. But Snakefangers are not known for their perspicacity, are they? No boy, snakes are not better than insects.

"Firstly: snakes can't fly but insects can. Insects have been flying for over 350 million years! And to think we are always so impressed by the birds. Look at me, look at my feathers, I'm a bird! But insects have been flying for twice as long as birds - birds only evolved 150 million years ago. Pathetic.

"Secondly: a snake's cleverness is nothing compared even to an ant, who - working together - can build homes hundreds of times taller than they are. Skyscrapers! With air-conditioning, nurseries, storage chambers. And what is a snake's home? Just a pile of old logs. Pathetic.

"Thirdly: how many snakes are there in the world? Not many I can tell you. Or how many reptiles even? All the snakes, iguanas, and lizards put together?

Reptiles make up only 0.1% of all animal species.

Insects species make up 70% of all animal species, and if we include all arthropods that's over 80%. That means for every one reptile species (like a snake) there are more than 600 insect species.

"No, it is clear to me, as it should now be clear to you, that snakes are pitiful, almost inconsequential creatures compared to insects and arthropods."

"But sir," interrupts Snako, "insects are disgusting..."

"Oh the cheek of it! Who is to say that you are not disgusting young man with your.... goggly eyes and snotty nose? There will come a day - and maybe sooner than you think - when everyone will appreciate the magnificence of an insect, when people don't shudder when I brush past them with my cloak. Yes you will appreciate those 'disgusting' insects soon enough my boy."

Professor Jape paused and pinched the bridge of his nose with two fingers. "Class dismissed. Your homework is to write an essay with the title 'What I love most about insects and arthropods'. Two thousand words minimum."