VALUES AND PERCEPTIONS OF INVERTEBRATES

In this paper I explore the value of invertebrates to human society. I initially examine various ecological, utilitarian, scientific, and cu ltural benefits provided by invertebrate organisms. I then explore the extent of appreciation and understanding of these values among the Am erican public. This assessment was based on a study of residents of th e state of Connecticut, including randomly selected members of the gen eral public, farmers, conservation organization members, and scientist s. The general public and farmers were found to view most invertebrate s with aversion, anxiety, fear, avoidance, and ignorance. Far more pos itive and knowledgeable attitudes toward invertebrates and their conse rvation were observed among scientists and, to a lesser extent, among conservation organization members. I finally examine the motivational basis for hostile attitudes toward invertebrates, particularly arthrop ods among the general public. Important factors include the possibilit y of an innate learning disposition, the association of many invertebr ates with disease and agricultural damage, differences in ecological s cale between humans and invertebrates, the multiplicity of invertebrat es, the apparent lack of a sense of identity and consciousness among i nvertebrates, the presumption of mindlessness among invertebrates, and the radical autonomy of invertebrates from human control.