Creepy crawlers might not be your favorite zoo animal, but they are beneficial according to an upcoming zoo guest.

Oregon Zoo

A butterfly pollinates a flower. Insects do many things to contribute to a variety of ecosystems.

Scott Black, a local bug expert, will be speaking about the importance of insects on April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo. Black says the small species are an essential part of ecosystems, and Zoo director, Tony Vecchio, agrees.

"People can thank insect pollinators for one third of every mouthful of food they eat," said Vecchio. "In fact, the direct benefit of insects to Americans is around $57 billion a year."

Black is speaking as part of the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series. The hope is to raise people’s awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues.

It will cost nonmembers of the zoo $10 for and $8 for zoo members, students and seniors to hear Black.