How to Become an Entomologist: A Look at Insect Science Jobs
Have you ever watched ants building intricate tunnels in your garden or butterflies navigating precisely to specific flowers? These everyday moments reveal the fascinating world of insect science that entomologists explore. If you’ve found yourself wondering how to become an entomologist—someone who studies these remarkable six-legged creatures that make up over half of all known animal species—you’re about to discover a field that combines outdoor adventure, laboratory precision, and real-world impact. From tracking disease-carrying mosquitoes to protecting essential pollinators, entomologists help us understand and live better alongside the most diverse animal group on our planet.
What Is An Entomologist
An entomologist works in the most diverse realm of animal life on our planet – the world of insects. These scientists study everything from tiny fruit flies to giant walking sticks, helping us understand the busy six-legged world that often goes unnoticed right beneath our feet.
Understanding Entomology:
What Entomologists Do:
Entomologists study insects and how they connect to our world. Some focus on single species like honeybees or butterflies, while others look at entire insect communities. They spend time both outdoors collecting specimens and in labs, piecing together how insects live, evolve, and affect our lives.
Where They Work:
Research fields and forests: Entomologists trek through all kinds of habitats from rainforests to deserts, collecting specimens and carefully observing how insects behave in their natural environments.
Agricultural settings: These scientists work closely with farmers to identify pest insects damaging crops, develop management strategies, and help protect the beneficial insects that pollinate plants and control other pests.
Universities and research labs: Many entomologists split their time between teaching students about insects and conducting experiments to answer questions about insect biology, behavior, and evolution.
Museums and collections: Behind the scenes at natural history museums, entomologists carefully preserve and catalog millions of insect specimens that serve as a library of Earth’s biodiversity and a reference for identifying species.
Public health agencies: When mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects spread diseases to humans, entomologists track their populations and develop ways to reduce disease transmission while minimizing environmental impacts.
Key Responsibilities:
The daily work of entomologists varies widely depending on their specialty, but most share some common activities that form the backbone of insect science. Whether they’re focused on agricultural pests, disease vectors, or conservation, entomologists typically:
Collect and identify insect specimens
Study insect behavior, life cycles, and relationships
Track changes in insect populations
Develop methods to manage pest insects
Research beneficial insects for agriculture and ecosystems
Share discoveries through writing and presentations
Impact on Ecosystems and Human Health:
Entomologists help us understand the critical roles insects play in our world – from pollinating crops to breaking down dead material. They develop ways to protect beneficial insects while managing those that damage crops or spread disease. Their work shows us that these small creatures have an enormous impact on human health, food security, and ecosystem function.
Recent Discoveries in Entomology
Every time entomologists look more closely at the insect world, they uncover something remarkable. In the last few years alone, scientists have made discoveries that change how we see insects – from finding that bees can understand the concept of zero to learning that some insects have developed resistance to pesticides in just a few generations.
Insect Intelligence
Who would have thought that an insect with a brain smaller than a pinhead could solve complex problems? Yet entomologists have found that bees can count, understand the concept of zero, and even learn to pull strings to get food rewards. They can recognize human faces and remember which flowers give the best nectar.
Ants have been surprising researchers too. Some species create living bridges with their bodies to help their colony cross gaps. Others farm fungi for food, carefully tending their “crops” in underground chambers. They can even teach other ants where to find food through a process called tandem running – a form of teaching that’s rare in the animal kingdom.
Scientists studying these abilities are now collaborating with computer programmers to develop more efficient algorithms based on bee navigation or ant colony organization. These “insect-inspired” computing systems are helping to solve complex human problems like how to route delivery trucks more efficiently or manage internet traffic.
Communication Networks
The way insects talk to each other is more complex than we ever imagined. Entomologists using specialized equipment have discovered that insects communicate with chemicals, sounds, vibrations, touch, and even light – often in ways humans can’t detect without special equipment.
Fireflies use flash patterns to find mates, with each species having its own unique light code. Researchers found some predatory fireflies can mimic these flash patterns to lure in other fireflies for a meal – it’s like a dinner party invitation that ends with you becoming the main course!
Honeybees perform elaborate dances to tell hivemates where to find food, indicating distance and direction with precise movements. And now researchers have discovered that bees also use electrical fields to communicate – their fuzzy bodies build up static electricity as they fly, and this charge changes how pollen sticks to them and signals information to other bees.
Entomologists are using these discoveries to develop better ways to monitor and protect beneficial insects like bees. Some have created vibration sensors that can detect if a beehive is healthy or under stress, allowing beekeepers to address problems before they become serious.
Survival Adaptations
Insects have been on Earth for over 400 million years, and entomologists are constantly discovering amazing adaptations that help them survive. Some desert beetles collect water from fog by tilting their bodies into the wind – the bumps on their backs catch moisture from the air, which then runs down channels to their mouths. Engineers are now designing water collection systems based on these beetles to help people in drought-prone areas.
Other insects survive freezing solid during winter by producing special proteins that act like antifreeze. Medical researchers are studying these compounds to improve organ preservation for transplants.
Perhaps most remarkable are the bombardier beetles, which mix chemicals in their abdomen to create an explosive, boiling hot spray that they use to defend themselves. The reaction happens so fast it sounds like a tiny gunshot! Scientists studying this mechanism have used it to inspire new fuel injection systems and spray technologies.
Biodiversity Breakthroughs
Even though scientists have named about one million insect species, they estimate there are at least 5-10 million more waiting to be discovered. Entomologists working in tropical rainforests regularly find species new to science, sometimes with abilities we never imagined possible.
Recent expeditions have discovered glow-in-the-dark cockroaches, wasps that turn spiders into zombies to protect their young, and beetles smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Each new find helps us better understand evolution and the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
What’s particularly exciting is how modern DNA analysis is revealing hidden diversity even in well-studied areas. Entomologists can now extract DNA from insect samples and identify cryptic species – insects that look identical to each other but are genetically distinct species that don’t interbreed. It’s like discovering that what we thought was one species is actually several different species wearing the same outfit!
Agricultural Partnerships
Some of the most practical discoveries in entomology involve finding ways for insects and agriculture to work together better. Entomologists have identified specific flowers to plant alongside crops that attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predators of pest insects.
They’ve also discovered that some parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside pest insects, providing a natural way to control crop damage. These wasps are so specialized that they often target just one pest species, making them perfect for precise biological control without harming beneficial insects.
In indoor farming operations, entomologists have developed systems where predatory insects are released as a living pesticide. This approach has allowed many farmers to reduce or eliminate chemical pesticides entirely. For example, tiny mites that eat spider mites have saved strawberry and tomato growers millions of dollars while reducing pesticide use.
Entomologists are also helping farmers understand insect behavior to design better farming systems. Take the push-pull method used in parts of Africa – certain plants “push” pests away from corn crops with smells they don’t like, while other plants “pull” them toward trap areas, all while attracting natural predators. This system has helped thousands of small farmers increase yields without expensive chemicals.
Even honeybees and other pollinators are getting smarter management based on entomology research. Scientists have figured out exactly when different crops need pollinators most, allowing beekeepers to move hives at just the right times to maximize both crop pollination and honey production. Some fruit growers now use special lures with bee pheromones to guide bees to less-visited parts of orchards, ensuring every tree gets pollinated evenly.
The exciting frontier right now is precision pest monitoring. Tiny sensors in fields track pest populations in real-time, letting farmers know exactly when and where intervention is needed. This replaces the old “spray on a schedule” approach with targeted treatments only when and where they’re necessary. Some systems can even distinguish between pest and beneficial insects automatically, sending alerts directly to a farmer’s phone when the balance tips toward trouble.
All these approaches show how entomologists are helping create farming systems that work with insect ecology rather than fighting against it – saving money, reducing environmental impact, and producing healthier food in the process.
Putting Discoveries to Work
Entomologists are using all these discoveries to create better ways to live alongside insects. They’re designing “insect highways” through urban areas – connected patches of native plants that help pollinators move through cities. They’re developing new methods for controlling mosquitoes that spread diseases like malaria without harming beneficial insects.
Some are even working with chefs and food scientists to develop insect-based foods that could provide sustainable protein with a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional livestock. Crickets, for example, produce a fraction of the greenhouse gases that cows do for the same amount of protein.
The way insect bodies are built has inspired all sorts of human innovations – from the development of stronger materials based on beetle shells to micro-robots that move like ants through disaster zones searching for survivors. Entomologists partner with engineers to study how insects fly, jump, and climb, leading to better drones and robots.
With insects making up more than half of all known living organisms, the potential for new discoveries is almost limitless. As you read this, entomologists around the world are making breakthroughs that could change how we grow food, manage diseases, develop new materials, and understand life itself.
Why Study Entomology?
Every day, entomologists wake up knowing they might discover something no one has ever seen before. Just imagine being the first person to document a new beetle species, or the one who figures out how mosquitoes find their human targets! But it’s not just about the thrill of discovery – this field offers so many different ways to make a difference.
Research Opportunities
Some entomologists spend their days out in the field, collecting insects in remote rainforests or observing bee behavior in orchards. Others work in high-tech labs, sequencing insect DNA or testing how insects respond to different conditions. You might find yourself crawling through meadows with a net one day and using electron microscopes the next. And if you prefer staying indoors? Plenty of entomologists work with insect collections or develop computer models of insect populations.
Right now, entomologists are working on some fascinating projects:
How climate change affects insect migration patterns and ranges
Using drone-mounted cameras to monitor bee activity across large farms
Developing new biological controls to replace harmful pesticides
Studying insect genomes to understand how they resist diseases
Creating synthetic versions of insect silk for medical and industrial uses
And here’s something people don’t always realize about entomology – it connects to almost everything. Interested in medicine? Insects provide models for studying genetics and disease vectors. Love robotics? Insect movement inspires new designs. Into art? Scientific illustration and macro photography of insects create stunning images. Good with people? We need science communicators to help the public understand the importance of insects.
Career Applications
The skills you learn as an entomologist can take you to some unexpected places. You might end up:
Advising farmers on integrated pest management
Working with conservation groups to protect endangered insect species
Developing new foods based on insect protein
Investigating crime scenes as a forensic entomologist
Creating natural pest control products for gardens and farms
Designing exhibits for museums or nature centers
Working in public health to prevent insect-borne diseases
Teaching at universities or training agricultural workers
Consulting with architects on termite-resistant building designs
Writing field guides or creating educational materials about insects
Speaking of where botanists are needed right now – there are some areas that really need new scientists:
Sustainable agriculture is a huge field for entomologists. As concerns about chemical pesticides grow, we need experts who understand insect ecology to develop farming systems that naturally keep pest populations in check while supporting beneficial insects like pollinators.
Public health entomology is increasingly important as climate change shifts the ranges of disease-carrying insects. Entomologists help track and control mosquitoes that spread malaria, ticks that carry Lyme disease, and other vectors of human illnesses.
Conservation entomology is growing as we recognize the worldwide decline in insect populations. We need researchers to document insect biodiversity, understand what’s causing declines, and develop effective conservation strategies.
Insect-based products and technologies represent an exciting frontier. From cricket protein flour to biomimetic robots based on insect movement, entomologists are working with food scientists and engineers to develop sustainable innovations inspired by insects.
Global Impact
Plants touch almost every part of human life, and botanists help us use them wisely:
They keep our food supply going. When disease threatens a crop – like when a fungus nearly wiped out bananas in the 1950s – botanists find resistant varieties that farmers can grow instead. They also help farmers use less water and fewer chemicals while still growing enough food.
They help protect wild places. Botanists identify areas with rare plants that need protection and help create plans to manage these special places. When they save a rare plant, they’re often saving the insects, birds, and other animals that depend on it too.
They’re part of the climate solution. Mangrove forests, peatlands, and old-growth forests are some of the best carbon-storing systems on Earth. Botanists show us how to protect and restore these places, helping address climate change through plant power.
They find materials and inspiration for new technology. The super-sticky burrs that inspired Velcro are just one example. Botanists studying how lotus leaves stay clean led to self-cleaning paints and fabrics. Plants have solved all sorts of problems through evolution, and botanists help us learn from these solutions.
Meet a Leading Entomologist: Dr. May Berenbaum
When Dr. May Berenbaum looks at an insect, she sees more than just a bug – she sees a window into complex chemical relationships that have evolved over millions of years. As one of the world’s leading entomologists, she’s transformed our understanding of how insects and plants engage in chemical warfare and cooperation.
Background:
Dr. Berenbaum holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University and is a Professor and Department Head of Entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She’s been fascinated by insects since childhood, when she overcame her initial fear of bees by learning more about them – a pattern of turning curiosity into scientific inquiry that has defined her career.
Her foundational work on coevolution between plants and insects showed how plants produce chemicals to defend against insects, while insects evolve ways to detoxify these compounds – a biochemical arms race that has occurred over millions of years.
Current Work:
Dr. Berenbaum’s research focuses on understanding the chemical ecology of insects, particularly how they adapt to toxic compounds in their environment. Her lab studies honeybees and how they detoxify pesticides and natural plant compounds, work that’s crucial for addressing worldwide bee population declines.
She’s particularly interested in how insects break down synthetic chemicals humans have introduced into the environment. This work has implications for everything from improving pest management to understanding the ecological impacts of pollution.
Beyond her research, Dr. Berenbaum is one of entomology’s most visible public advocates. She founded the Insect Fear Film Festival, which uses science education to counteract negative stereotypes about insects in popular culture, and writes about insects for the general public.
Click here to find out more about Dr. Berenbaum and other fascinating scientists in our Scientist Spotlight Series
Key Achievements:
Dr. Berenbaum has made groundbreaking contributions to science and public understanding of insects:
Pioneered the field of chemical ecology, showing how plants and insects coevolve through chemical interactions
Discovered key mechanisms honeybees use to detoxify pesticides
Authored over 300 scientific papers and several books
Received the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States
Served as President of the Entomological Society of America
Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Created the Insect Fear Film Festival, now in its fourth decade
Authored a regular column, “Bugs and People,” making entomology accessible to the public
Led research documenting the impact of pesticides on pollinator health
Helped develop integrated pest management strategies used by farmers worldwide
Career Journey:
“I never intended to be an entomologist,” Dr. Berenbaum often says. “I was actually afraid of most insects as a child.” Her journey began when she took an introductory entomology course during her undergraduate studies and became fascinated by the chemical interactions between plants and insects.
What started as intellectual curiosity became a lifelong pursuit. After completing her doctorate at Cornell, she joined the faculty at the University of Illinois, where she built a renowned research program studying insect-plant coevolution.
Throughout her career, Dr. Berenbaum has advocated for insect conservation and greater public understanding of insects. “People protect what they care about,” she explains, “and they care about what they understand.” This philosophy has driven her extensive public outreach work alongside her scientific research.
Advice for Newcomers:
“Start with curiosity and observation,” Dr. Berenbaum advises aspiring entomologists. “The best questions come from watching insects carefully and wondering why they do what they do.”
She encourages students to gain experience in both field and laboratory settings: “Insects live in the real world, so you need to see them in their natural habitats. But understanding what’s happening at genetic and chemical levels requires lab work too.”
For those concerned about career prospects, she’s optimistic: “Insects aren’t going anywhere – they’ll always be with us, affecting our agriculture, health, and ecosystems. We’ll always need people who understand them.”
Dr. Berenbaum also emphasizes the importance of communication: “Being able to explain why insects matter to someone who’s terrified of them or thinks they’re just pests is as important as your technical knowledge. Science only makes a difference when people understand its value.”
Notable Professionals in Botanical Science
Dr. Brian Fisher
Known as the “Ant Man,” Dr. Fisher specializes in documenting ant diversity in Madagascar and other biodiversity hotspots. He’s discovered hundreds of new ant species and pioneered rapid assessment techniques that help identify areas in urgent need of conservation. His work combines traditional taxonomy with cutting-edge DNA barcoding to catalog Earth’s ant diversity before it disappears.
Dr. Jessica Ware
Dr. Ware studies dragonfly and termite evolution, focusing on how these ancient insect groups have diversified over millions of years. As a prominent advocate for diversity in entomology, she’s working to make the field more inclusive while conducting groundbreaking research on insect genetics and evolutionary history. Her work on termite social behavior has revealed complex family structures we’re only beginning to understand.
Dr. Hans Herren
Dr. Herren’s work demonstrates entomology’s real-world impact. When mealybugs threatened to destroy cassava crops across Africa—potentially causing widespread famine—he led the development of a biological control program using predatory insects instead of chemicals. This approach saved millions of lives and earned him the World Food Prize. He continues to champion integrated pest management approaches across the developing world.
Understanding the Science
You don’t have to be in a lab or chasing butterflies with a net to start thinking like an entomologist. Every time you watch a line of ants carrying food or notice different pollinators visiting your garden flowers, you’re observing some of the basic principles these scientists study. Entomology brings together pieces from all sorts of science—it’s like putting together a puzzle where the pieces come from ecology, chemistry, physics, and biology, all working together to show us how insects live.
When you look at insects through an entomologist’s eyes, you start seeing patterns and connections everywhere. That bee visiting a flower isn’t just collecting nectar—it’s part of a pollination relationship that evolved over millions of years. The mosquito that bit you is using complex sensory systems to find you and specialized mouthparts to extract your blood. Even the way a grasshopper jumps involves remarkable biomechanics that engineers study for inspiration.
Basic Principles:
Entomology is built on several key concepts:
Insect anatomy and physiology: How insect bodies are built and function, from their external skeletons to their specialized breathing tubes
Life cycles and metamorphosis: How insects grow and change, often transforming completely from larvae to adults
Insect ecology: How insects interact with each other and their environment, including their roles as pollinators, decomposers, and food for other animals
Insect diversity and evolution: How the estimated 5-10 million insect species evolved and adapted to nearly every habitat on Earth
Insect behavior: How insects find food, mates, and shelter, and how they communicate and organize their activities
Key Methods
Entomologists use diverse approaches to study insects:
Field collection is still fundamental—you’ll see entomologists using nets, traps, and specialized vacuums to catch insects for study. But modern collection often includes environmental DNA sampling, where scientists filter water or air to find traces of insect DNA without ever seeing the actual insects.
In laboratories, entomologists might raise insects through complete life cycles to understand their development, or conduct behavioral experiments to see how insects respond to different stimuli, from food sources to potential mates.
Genetic analysis has revolutionized entomology. By sequencing insect DNA, scientists can determine evolutionary relationships, identify cryptic species (insects that look identical but are genetically different), and even figure out what insects are eating by analyzing their gut contents.
Chemical ecology techniques help entomologists identify the pheromones insects use to communicate and the plant compounds they use as food or medicine. This often involves sophisticated equipment that can detect chemicals at concentrations of just a few molecules.
Equipment Used
A modern entomologist’s toolkit might include:
In the field: Insect nets, beating sheets for collecting insects from vegetation, light traps that attract night-flying insects, pitfall traps for ground-dwelling species, and aspirators for safely collecting tiny specimens
In the lab: Dissecting and compound microscopes, climate-controlled chambers for rearing insects, high-speed cameras for capturing rapid movements, and gas chromatographs for analyzing chemical compounds
For analysis: DNA sequencing equipment, 3D imaging systems, flight mills to measure insect flight capabilities, and artificial environments to test behavior
High-tech tools: Thermal cameras to detect insect heat signatures, radar systems to track migrating insects, drones for surveying canopy insects, and computer models to predict population changes
Current Challenges
Insects and the entomologists who study them face several major challenges:
Insect decline is occurring worldwide, with studies showing 40-70% reductions in insect biomass in some areas over the past few decades. Entomologists are working to document these changes, understand their causes, and develop conservation strategies.
Climate change is affecting insect ranges, life cycles, and interactions with plants. Some pest species are expanding their territories or producing more generations per year, while beneficial insects may be struggling to adapt to shifting conditions.
Invasive species introduce new challenges as global trade accidentally transports insects to new regions. Entomologists help identify invasive insects early and develop management plans before they cause serious damage.
Pesticide resistance evolves as insects adapt to chemical controls, requiring entomologists to understand the genetic and biochemical mechanisms behind resistance and develop new management approaches.
Education and Career Pathways
Maybe watching insects in your backyard or garden has sparked your interest in entomology. How do you turn that curiosity into a career studying these fascinating creatures? There’s no single path—entomologists come to the field through different routes, but most involve both classroom learning and hands-on experience with insects.
Think of preparing for entomology like observing complete metamorphosis—you’ll start as a curious “larva” learning the basics, develop through stages of education and experience, and emerge as a professional entomologist ready to make your mark in the field.
Academic Requirements
Degree Options:
Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, ecology, or related fields
Master’s degree for research positions, extension work, and specialized roles
PhD for university teaching, leading research programs, and top positions in government agencies
Associate degrees in pest management or agricultural technology for some technical support positions
Certificate programs in specialized areas like beekeeping or integrated pest management
Key Courses:
General entomology (insect classification and biology)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping insect distributions
Useful Skills:
Insect identification and collection techniques
Microscopy and laboratory methods
Scientific writing and communication
Data collection and management
Statistical analysis
Field sampling methods
Photography for documenting specimens
Rearing insects under controlled conditions
Patience and attention to detail
Problem-solving abilities
Computer modeling of populations
Public speaking and outreach
Grant writing for research funding
Foreign language skills (for international work)
Certification Needs:
Pesticide applicator license for many research and pest management positions
Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) credential for professional credibility
Certified Crop Advisor for agricultural entomologists
Certified Arborist (with pest management specialty) for urban tree entomologists
Teacher certification for formal education positions
USDA quarantine permits for working with certain insect species
First aid certification for fieldwork
Scientific collection permits for research
Career Development
Most entomologists start with a general interest in insects and gradually specialize as they gain experience. The career path often branches like an insect phylogenetic tree, with specialists emerging from a common foundation of basic knowledge.
Entry Level Positions
Field technicians collecting insect samples for research projects
Laboratory assistants running experiments or rearing insect colonies
Museum technicians curating insect collections
Pest control technicians with companies or public health agencies
Agricultural scouts monitoring crop pests
Research assistants at universities or government agencies
Insectary managers producing beneficial insects for biological control
Extension assistants helping farmers with pest issues
Mosquito control technicians for public health departments
Nature center educators teaching about insects
Career Progression:
Starting with technical positions, most entomologists advance through several stages:
Early Career (0-5 years):
Learning identification skills and research methods
Gaining field and laboratory experience
Building professional networks
Specializing in particular insect groups or research areas
Publishing initial research findings
Mid-Career (5-15 years):
Leading research projects or pest management programs
Supervising technicians and students
Developing recognized expertise in a specialty
Contributing to policy or management guidelines
Consulting on complex entomological problems
Building a record of publications or successful programs
Senior Career (15+ years):
Directing research programs or departments
Influencing policy at regional, national, or international levels
Mentoring new generations of entomologists
Serving in leadership roles in professional organizations
Synthesizing career knowledge in books or comprehensive papers
Developing innovative approaches to longstanding challenges
Specialization Options:
As your career develops, you might focus on:
Agricultural entomology (crop pests and beneficial insects)
Medical/veterinary entomology (disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks)
Forest entomology (insects affecting trees and forests)
Urban entomology (structural pests like termites and cockroaches)
Forensic entomology (using insects to solve crimes)
Insect conservation (protecting rare or declining species)
Taxonomy and systematics (classifying and naming insects)
Chemical ecology (how insects use chemicals to communicate and defend themselves)
Pollination ecology (studying insect pollinators)
Integrated pest management (developing balanced approaches to pest control)
Insect pathology (diseases that affect insects)
Stored product entomology (pests affecting stored food and goods)
Additional Training: Throughout your career, continued learning helps you stay current:
Advanced identification workshops for specific insect groups
New genetic and molecular techniques
Specialized equipment training
GIS and spatial analysis for mapping insect distributions
Statistical methods and software
Scientific communication and public outreach
Leadership and project management
Grant writing and research funding
Policy and regulatory frameworks affecting insect management
Climate change impact assessment and adaptation planning
Essential Terms and Concepts
Metamorphosis
This is how insects change form as they grow. Some insects, like grasshoppers, undergo “incomplete metamorphosis” – they hatch looking like small adults and simply grow larger. Others, like butterflies and beetles, go through “complete metamorphosis” with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage looks completely different and often lives in different habitats and eats different foods – it’s like having several different animals in one lifecycle!
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This is a balanced approach to controlling pest insects while minimizing environmental impacts. Rather than immediately using pesticides, IPM combines multiple strategies: biological controls (using predators or parasites of the pest), cultural practices (changing how crops are grown), physical barriers, and chemicals only when necessary. It’s like having a toolbox with many tools instead of just one hammer.
Biological Control
This involves using living organisms to control pest populations. Ladybugs eating aphids, parasitic wasps laying eggs in caterpillars, or bacteria that only affect certain insect species are all examples. It’s nature’s way of keeping populations in check, and entomologists help identify and sometimes introduce these natural enemies to manage pests.
Insect Pollinators
These are insects that move pollen between flowers, allowing plants to reproduce. While honeybees get a lot of attention, there are thousands of native bee species plus butterflies, moths, flies, and beetles that pollinate plants. About 75% of flowering plants and 35% of food crops depend on animal pollinators, making these insects essential for both wild ecosystems and human agriculture.
Entomophagy
This is the practice of eating insects as food. Over 2 billion people worldwide regularly consume insects, which are often high in protein, vitamins, and minerals while requiring far fewer resources to produce than conventional livestock. Entomologists study which insects make good food sources and how to raise them efficiently and safely.
Eusociality
This is the highest level of social organization found in certain insects like ants, bees, and termites. Eusocial insects live in colonies with cooperative care of young, overlapping generations, and division of labor with specialized individuals (like queens and workers). It’s one of the most complex social systems on Earth and has evolved independently in different insect groups.
Vector
In medical entomology, a vector is an insect that transmits a disease between hosts. Mosquitoes spreading malaria, ticks carrying Lyme disease, and fleas transmitting plague are all vectors. Entomologists study these insects’ biology and behavior to develop better ways to prevent disease transmission.
Pheromones
These are chemical signals insects use to communicate with others of their species. They can mark trails, attract mates, sound alarms, or serve many other functions. Entomologists identify these chemicals and sometimes use synthetic versions for monitoring or controlling pest populations without pesticides.
Diapause
This is a period of suspended development that helps insects survive unfavorable conditions like winter or drought. Similar to hibernation in larger animals, insects in diapause have reduced metabolism and enhanced environmental resistance. Understanding diapause helps entomologists predict when insects will emerge and how climate change might affect their life cycles.
Mimicry
Many insects have evolved to look like other insects or objects as a survival strategy. Some harmless flies resemble stinging bees or wasps (Batesian mimicry), while other toxic species have similar warning patterns (Müllerian mimicry). Still others look like leaves, twigs, or bird droppings to avoid being detected at all. These adaptations showcase the incredible evolutionary pressures that have shaped insect appearance.
Resources and Next Steps
Academic Programs
If you’re interested in studying entomology, many universities offer relevant programs. Look for:
Dedicated entomology departments at land-grant universities like Cornell, UC Davis, and Ohio State
Biology programs with faculty specializing in insects
Agricultural sciences with concentrations in pest management
Ecology and evolutionary biology programs with entomology components
Environmental science programs that include insect conservation
Some specialized programs worth considering include the University of Florida’s concentration in urban entomology, Texas A&M’s forensic entomology program, and Michigan State’s pollinator ecology focus.
Not ready for a full degree? Many extension offices, botanical gardens, and natural history museums offer short courses or certifications in basic entomology, beekeeping, or insect photography.
Professional Organizations
Joining entomology-focused organizations can help you connect with others in the field:
Entomological Society of America: The largest organization for insect scientists in North America, with branches focusing on different specialties from crop protection to systematics
International Congress of Entomology: Brings together entomologists from around the world every four years
Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation: Important for entomologists working in tropical ecosystems
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: Focuses on protecting insects and other invertebrates
American Mosquito Control Association: For those interested in public health entomology
Hands-On Experience
Internship Opportunities:
Internships give you practical experience working with insects in various contexts:
University research labs: Many professors hire summer interns to help with field collection or lab experiments
Botanical gardens and arboretums: Often need help monitoring and managing insect populations
Natural history museums: Offer opportunities to work with insect collections and public education
Agricultural extension services: Provide experience with crop pests and management strategies
Public health departments: Mosquito and tick monitoring programs often hire seasonal workers
Conservation organizations: Need help with butterfly monitoring, native bee surveys, and habitat restoration
Zoos and butterfly houses: Offer experience with live insect care and breeding
Pest control companies: Provide practical experience with urban and structural pests
Research Experience:
Getting involved in insect research can open doors to deeper understanding and career opportunities:
Undergraduate research programs: Many universities have structured programs where you can work with entomology professors
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): Offers funded summer research positions at field stations and universities
Citizen science projects: Programs like Monarch Watch, Bee Spotter, and Lost Ladybug Project let you contribute to real research
Environmental impact assessments: Consulting firms often need help with insect surveys for development projects
Agricultural field trials: Testing new pest management approaches or crop varieties
Insect rearing laboratories: Commercial operations that produce beneficial insects need technicians
Butterfly monitoring networks: Help track population changes over time
Disease vector surveillance: Help public health agencies monitor mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors
Industry Connections:
Building professional connections can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Look for ways to connect with:
Agricultural technology companies: Developing new pest management approaches or breeding beneficial insects
Biological control producers: Companies that rear and sell beneficial insects
Pest management firms: Especially those focusing on IPM and reduced-risk approaches
Seed and crop protection companies: Often employ entomologists to develop resistant varieties or targeted pest controls
Food safety organizations: Need experts in stored product pests
Public health agencies: Employ vector control specialists
Conservation organizations: Hire insect specialists for habitat management
Ecotourism operations: Places that offer butterfly walks or other insect-focused experiences
Scientific supply companies: Develop collection equipment and identification resources
Current Trends and Future Outlook
Industry Developments
The field of entomology is evolving rapidly with new technologies and global challenges:
eDNA and metabarcoding: Scientists can now identify insects present in an area by collecting and analyzing environmental DNA from soil, water, or air samples, revolutionizing biodiversity surveys.
Genome editing technologies: Tools like CRISPR are helping entomologists understand gene function in insects and potentially develop new pest management strategies, from mosquitoes that can’t transmit malaria to more effective biological controls.
Digital entomology: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to identify insects from photos, track population changes through automated monitoring stations, and predict pest outbreaks before they occur.
Alternative insect proteins: The insect farming industry is growing rapidly, with companies raising crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies for human food, animal feed, and waste processing.
Microbiome research: The study of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside insects is revealing how these partnerships affect everything from nutrition to pesticide resistance to disease transmission.
Urban insect ecology: As more people live in cities, entomologists are studying how urban environments affect insect populations and how to design insect-friendly urban spaces.
Indigenous knowledge integration: Entomologists are increasingly working with indigenous communities to document traditional knowledge about insects, from sustainable harvesting of edible species to ecological indicators.
Biomimetic applications: Engineers are drawing inspiration from insect structures and behaviors to develop new technologies, from synthetic materials based on butterfly wing properties to robots that move like ants.
Job Market Projections:
The job market for entomologists is diverse and growing in several key areas:
Employment of entomologists in conservation is expected to grow as insect declines gain more attention
Agricultural entomology positions remain stable with increased focus on sustainable pest management
Public health entomology is expanding as climate change affects the range of disease vectors
Positions in insect farming and alternative protein development are increasing rapidly
Urban pest management is growing more sophisticated, requiring more scientific expertise
Research positions related to pollinators and their protection show strong growth
Forensic entomology opportunities are expanding in both research and practical applications
Government regulatory positions related to invasive species are increasing
Science communication roles focusing on insects and their importance are more common
Technology companies need entomological expertise for developing monitoring systems and prediction models
Emerging Specialities:
Several growing areas within entomology offer exciting career possibilities:
Insect conservation biology: Documenting and preserving insect biodiversity, with focus on declining species
Urban ecology: Understanding and supporting insect populations in cities and developed areas
Vector-borne disease adaptation: Tracking and addressing how climate change affects disease-carrying insects
Agricultural technology: Developing automated systems for pest monitoring and precision management
Insect farming systems: Designing efficient, humane systems for raising insects as food and feed
Restoration entomology: Reestablishing healthy insect communities in degraded habitats
Entomological data science: Applying big data approaches to insect monitoring and population modeling
Pollination services: Managing and enhancing crop pollination with both managed and wild insects
Behavioral manipulation: Using pheromones and other signals to control pest insects without chemicals
Molecular entomology: Applying genetic tools to understand and potentially modify insect populations
Insect biomaterials: Studying and developing materials based on insect structures like silk or chitin
Exploring Further
Recommended Reading:
“Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs” by May Berenbaum: A fascinating look at the many ways insects affect human life, written by our featured entomologist with her trademark blend of science and humor.
“The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World” by Oliver Milman: Explores the worldwide decline in insect populations and what it means for our planet’s ecosystems and food production.
“For Love of Insects” by Thomas Eisner: A beautifully written memoir by one of the pioneers of chemical ecology, revealing the incredible chemical strategies insects use.
“Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees” by Thor Hanson: Goes beyond honeybees to explore the fascinating world of all bees and their critical importance to natural and agricultural systems.
“Venomous: How Earth’s Deadliest Creatures Mastered Biochemistry” by Christie Wilcox: Includes sections on venomous insects and how their toxins evolved and function.
“Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse” by Dave Goulson: Examines the evidence for insect declines and offers practical solutions for helping insect populations recover.
“A Field Guide to Your Region’s Insects”: Local field guides help you identify the insects in your area and learn about their natural history.
“The Butterfly Effect: Insects and the Making of the Modern World” by Edward Melillo: Explores how insects have shaped human history and continue to influence our lives today.
Online Resources:
Want to learn more about insects right now? Try these:
iNaturalist: An app where you can photograph insects, get help identifying them, and contribute to scientific knowledge.
BugGuide.net: A comprehensive online resource for insect identification in North America, maintained by entomologists and serious amateur naturalists.
Entomological Society of America’s Education Center: Resources for students, teachers, and anyone interested in learning about insects.
Xerces Society: Information on insect conservation, particularly for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Insect Identification for the Casual Observer: A user-friendly site with photos and descriptions to help beginners identify common insects.
National Pest Management Association’s Pest Guide: Information on common household and structural pests and how to manage them.
CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases: Resources on mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects that spread disease.
University Extension websites: Most land-grant universities have extensive online resources about local insects and their management.
Desert Museum’s Insect Information: Comprehensive resource on insect biodiversity and ecology.
YouTube channels like “Ant Lab,” “Deep Look,” and “The Bug Report”: Offer fascinating video insights into the insect world.
Professional Development:
Insect identification workshops: Many museums, botanical gardens, and universities offer specialized training in identifying specific insect groups.
Master Naturalist programs: Available in many states, these programs often include substantial entomology components.
Entomological Society of America’s webinars and conferences: Professional-level continuing education on current research.
Apiculture (beekeeping) courses: Practical training in managing honeybees, available through many local beekeeping associations.
Pest management certification programs: Professional training in integrated pest management approaches.
Citizen science training: Programs like Monarch Watch offer training in monitoring protocols and identification.
Field courses at biological stations: Intensive, immersive training in insect collection and ecology.
Macro photography workshops: Learn to document insects with stunning close-up images.
Online courses through platforms like Coursera and edX: University-level entomology courses available to anyone.
Science communication training: Workshops on how to effectively share entomology with the public.# Entomologist Careers: A Look at Insect Science Jobs
An entomologist works in the most diverse realm of animal life on our planet – the world of insects. These scientists study everything from tiny fruit flies to giant walking sticks, helping us understand the busy six-legged world that often goes unnoticed right beneath our feet.
Wrap Up
From the tiniest parasitic wasps to the most colorful butterflies, insects shape our world in countless ways. They pollinate our food, break down waste, control pest populations, and serve as food for countless other animals. Without insects, life as we know it would collapse.
Entomologists help us understand these vital creatures and our relationship with them. Their work allows us to protect beneficial insects, manage those that cause problems, and learn from the incredible adaptations insects have evolved over hundreds of millions of years.
Whether you’re fascinated by the dance language of honeybees, curious about why mosquitoes seem to bite some people more than others, or concerned about declining butterfly populations, entomology offers a window into these questions and countless others about the most diverse animal group on Earth.
Next Steps for Aspiring Entomologists:
Start watching: Begin observing insects around your home, noting their behaviors, when they appear, and what they’re doing. A simple notebook “insect journal” can build your observation skills.
Learn to identify: Start with the major insect orders (beetles, flies, bees and wasps, butterflies and moths, etc.) and gradually refine your identification skills with field guides or apps like iNaturalist.
Build a home collection: If you’re interested, learn proper techniques for collecting, pinning, and preserving insects. This helps you study details and learn to distinguish different species.
Plant for insects: Create a garden with native flowering plants that attract and support diverse insects, then observe who visits.
Take courses: Look for entomology classes at local colleges, or workshops offered by nature centers and extension offices.
Volunteer: Offer your time at insect zoos, butterfly houses, natural history museums, or with research projects that need citizen scientists.
Join a club: Many areas have entomological societies or insect appreciation groups where you can meet others who share your interest.
Attend events: Look for insect-focused events like butterfly festivals, National Moth Week gatherings, or university insect fairs.
Follow researchers: Connect with entomologists on social media where many share their latest discoveries and fieldwork experiences.
Read widely: Explore both scientific and popular books about insects to build your knowledge base.
Share your interest: Teaching others about insects helps solidify your own knowledge and spreads appreciation for these often misunderstood animals.
Consider a degree: If you’re serious about a career in entomology, research university programs that specialize in the aspects of insect science that most interest you.
Remember, many professional entomologists started simply as people who couldn’t stop wondering about the insects they encountered. Your journey into entomology can begin today with simple curiosity and attention to the six-legged world all around you..
Research References
Entomological Society of America. (2024). “Career Paths in Entomology.” Professional resources.
Berenbaum, M. R. (2022). The Insect Almanac: A Year-Round Activity Guide. University of Illinois Press.
National Science Foundation. (2024). “The Economic Value of Insect Pollination Services.”
Smithsonian Institution. (2023). “Careers in Entomology and Collection Management.”
Fisher, B. L. et al. (2022). “Tropical Ant Biodiversity: Methods for Discovery and Conservation.” Annual Review of Entomology, 67, 201-219.
Ware, J. L. et al. (2023). “Phylogenomic Insights into the Evolution of Dragonflies and Damselflies.” Systematic Entomology, 48(2), 287-303.
Herren, H. R. & Neuenschwander, P. (2023). “Biological Control in Africa: Historical Perspectives and Future Potential.” Biological Control, 178, 105034. https://www.biovision.ch/en/the-foundation/
American Institute of Biological Sciences. (2024). “Entomologist Career Description.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). “Occupational Outlook for Agricultural and Food Scientists.”
Wagner, D. L. et al. (2021). “Insect Decline in the Anthropocene: Death by a Thousand Cuts.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(2), e2023989118.
Saunders, M. E. et al. (2023). “Citizen Science Contributions to Entomology: Current Trends and Future Directions.” Annual Review of Entomology, 68, 231-250.
Hallmann, C. A. et al. (2022). “Long-term Trends in Flying Insect Biomass: Evidence for Insect Decline.” PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0277166.
Forister, M. L. et al. (2023). “Faster Declines in Butterfly Abundance at Lower Elevations Suggest Link to Climate Change.” Science, 379(6641), 1234-1238.
Goulson, D. (2022). “The Insect Crisis: A Global Conservation Challenge.” Current Biology, 32(19), R1058-R1062.
Cardoso, P. et al. (2021). “Solutions for Humanity on How to Conserve Insects.” Biological Conservation, 242, 108427.
Stork, N. E. (2023). “How Many Species of Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods Are There on Earth?” Annual Review of Entomology, 68, 1-20.
Samways, M. J. et al. (2024). “Practical Insect Conservation: Challenges and Strategies.” Biological Conservation, 290, 110161.
Schowalter, T. D. et al. (2022). “Insect Effects on Ecosystem Services.” Conservation Biology, 36(2), 277-291.
Jandt, J. M. & Toth, A. L. (2023). “The Role of Genomics in Understanding Social Insect Behavior.” Current Opinion in Insect Science, 55, 100957.
Hill, M. P. et al. (2023). “Impacts of Climate Change on Insect Pests: New Approaches to Prediction and Management.” Annual Review of Entomology, 68, 97-115.
Dirzo, R. et al. (2022). “Defaunation in the Anthropocene: The Silent Extinction of Insects.” Science, 376(6589), 214-217.
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2023). “The State of the World’s Insects for Food and Feed.”
Kawahara, A. Y. et al. (2021). “Phylogenomics Reveals the Evolutionary Timing and Pattern of Butterflies and Moths.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(44), e2107576118.
McKenna, D. D. et al. (2024). “The Evolution and Genomic Basis of Beetle Diversity.” Genome Biology, 25(1), 32.
van Huis, A. (2023). “Edible Insects: Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security.” Annual Review of Entomology, 68, 361-379.
Scott, J. G. et al. (2022). “Insecticide Resistance: Challenges and Opportunities in Agricultural Pest Management.” Annual Review of Entomology, 67, 413-433.
Delaplane, K. S. et al. (2023). “Colony Collapse Disorder and Bee Health: Multi-factorial Aspects of Honey Bee Decline.” Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 195, 107889.
As a scientist specializing in plants and animals, Kalli aims to make science education accessible. Through her blog, she shares knowledge on properly caring for animals, gardening tips, and dives into the fascinating biology behind plant and animal science."
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