We commend the often-overlooked contributions of amateur entomologists, ranging from unpaid species experts to members of the public involved in citizen science initiatives. While the collection of insect monitoring data remains invaluable for entomology, citizen science projects serve a broader purpose. We agree with the perspective of conservation experts, acknowledging that participation in such projects not only aids insect research but also enriches the lives of participants by fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Citizen science projects allow researchers access to insect data from broad geographic areas that they may not have the resources to sample themselves. However, this type of survey must supplement, not replace, expert-led academic research projects.