When it comes to being a haven for all insects great and small, Tennessee topography is second to none, being as diverse as it gets. The state that's shaped like a pointing hand (with all fingers extended) sees over 1,200 different insect types finding their home in the vast ecosystem provided by this southern emerald treasure.
Bordering the state is Kentucky to the north, a small portion of Missouri in the northwest, Arkansas to the West, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to the South, and North Carolina to the East. A small section of Virginia also touches the northeast of the state. The right side of the state, east of the Mississippi River, is dominated by the plains while the middle portion is the hilly region. East is the mountain region and its famous Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest as part of the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, the three 'grand divisions' of the state are symbolized by the three stars found on the Tennessee state flag!
Population hubs include Memphis in the Southwest, Clarksville in the Northwest, Nashville in the center, Knoxville to the East, and Chattanooga to the Southeast. As development in these hubs continues to expand at an alarming pace - often times with little regard given by developers, city councils, and city planners of the long-term impact to the ecosystem, particularly where the little mighty insect is concerned. As such, species are being forced to choose between continuing their existence further out into the wilds or co-existing with their human overlords. Of further note is that these population hubs are connected via a vast network of highways, bi-ways, and roads meaning all manner of commerce passes into and out of the state - allowing insects to hitch a ride in equipment, material, or produce orders and establish their presence in another part of the state, country, or even overseas.©BugsOfTennssee.com
