Approximately how many different insect species are there?

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Estimations suggest that there are around 1,000,000 different insect species described and classified to date. This figure represents a significant portion of the rich biodiversity on Earth, as insects make up a large share of all living organisms. Despite the substantial number of species known, it is also widely recognized that many more species remain undiscovered, particularly in tropical regions and other biodiversity hotspots.

The figure of 1,000,000 serves as a reliable benchmark, reflecting both the extensive research that has been conducted and the ongoing discovery of new species. Other estimates that suggest much higher numbers, such as 5,000,000 or 10,000,000, often refer to the potential total number of insect species that might exist when considering undiscovered species, but these are not officially recognized counts and are considered more speculative. Consequently, 1,000,000 is seen as a stable estimate grounded in current taxonomic and biodiversity research.

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