Many insect species have specific habitat preferences, which often even differ for larval instars and imagines within a species. In these cases, the two habitats have to be in close proximity to each other. The habitats in question, e. g. dung and dead wood, are often in decline due to land-use changes and anthropogenic impacts. The processes leading to the emergence of such structures for insects must therefore be preserved or re-established (e. g. extensive grazing). Because pesticides (incl. parasiticides), light pollution and traffic have been identified as the causes of the decline of many insects, these drivers have to be excluded from valuable sites. Finally, we recommend considering entomological aspects in conservation decisions, producing a manual for insect conservation in important habitats and conducting long-term studies.