Unknown to most of us, there are insects that produce acids that are used in important medicines. Among these are some beetles that we would just consider a nuisance. One is the bombardier beetle that surprises creatures that attack it by “bombing” them with a white spray, forced through a gland in its tail. This spray leaves a terrible smell on the animal, bird or person on whom it is sprayed. Experiments are being made with samples of this spray for possible use in medicines or for other purposes.
Another, known as the diving beetle, spends much time in water and gives off a dose of cortisone when a hungry fish comes too close. The fish quickly decides to get away in a hurry. Doctors frequently give patients cortisone to cure certain sicknesses, and it is expensive. Experiments are being made to see if they can raise these beetles in large numbers, for use as another source of cortisone.
Cyanide and steroids are both contributed by a variety of insects. Medical researchers believe other medicines remain to be discovered, particularly from insects in hot tropical countries.
The white-faced anteater of Central and South America is a pretty little bird with a red body, blue wings and a black head with a white face. This beneficial bird eats huge quantities of ants and other harmful insects.
And there are beneficial insects that eat other insects that we consider harmful. One of the most common of the beneficial type is the colorful ladybug. It eats aphids and both larvae and adults of other pests that do so much harm to vegetable and flower gardens. Ladybugs don't look much like a beetle but are closely related to them.
Honeybees are another example of a creature providing benefits. Besides being major pollinators of fruit trees and other food producing plants, they are best known for producing honey, which we all enjoy.
There are also many very small microorganisms that can only be seen through a microscope, which are used by the Creator to do much good. Some produce a form of alcohol; others make acids and chemicals that are used in many industries. Researchers continue to experiment to find how these can become important sources of these products.
In our opening Bible verse, we are told that God saw that the creation of every creeping thing was good. Sin has come into the world to interfere with this good. However, the work done by researchers has found real benefits for all mankind.
These creatures are another example of the wonders of God's creation. Let us never forget that “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:33All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)).
ML-09/07/2008