Pesticides are a factor in insect loss, but they are VERY far from the major cause of lost biodiversity in general. The major causes are overwhelmingly environmental destruction (e.g., the clearcutting of virtually all old growth forests) and the introduction of invasive species and diseases.
I think you're probably right globally and historically. However, I think the parent's point is still valid for many localities. Sure, the medium to large animal diversity is probably low in our already mostly destroyed habitats (cities, suburbs, etc) but the insecticides are likely to be destroying what's left for the remaining insects and small animals.
> Pesticides are a factor in insect loss, but they are VERY far from the major cause of lost biodiversity in general
Oh hey, look at that - the exact position of the insecticide industry...
...which does not explain why bee die-offs in various countries (at different times) have coincided with the introduction of neonic pesticides in that country.
It's the exact position of anyone who studies ecology and conservation.
Bees are certainly being killed by pesticides.
However, the claim is not about bees. It's about Earth's biodiversity in general. Pesticides are certainly a factor here, but pesticides are not why tuna are overfished, or why elm trees are being wiped out, or why domestic cats are killing songbirds, or why the Amazon rainforest is getting bulldozed, or why polar bears don't have enough ice to hunt seals, etc., etc.
