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In praise of parasitoids: how public engagement and citizen science can be used to improve the perceptions of an overlooked taxon
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DOI：10.1016/j.cois.2026.101553.png)
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Abstract
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How the public perceive the natural world matters because these emotions shape how society cares and values nature. Organisms that are perceived as useless, annoying, frightening or uncharismatic are less likely to benefit from conservation efforts. Here we review how parasitoids are perceived by the public in the wider context of insects; we identify aspects of their biology that could be used to effectively challenge negative perceptions, and discuss how outreach and citizen science activities can help achieve these shifts. Parasitoids are one of the least well-studied taxa on the planet, when taking into account the importance of their ecology and evolution, and that they are estimated to be the most speciose of insect Orders: they deserve to be noticed, identified and valued by both scientists and the public. Our review, therefore, provides a much-needed synthesis of reasons to appreciate parasitoids, and outlines promising avenues for public outreach and communication.
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