What Is Entomology?
At its most basic level, entomology is the study of insects and related animals. With more species of insects on Earth than any other group of organisms, entomology is vitally important—and affects us all.
Insects and related arthropods are all around us. They affect many aspects of human life, from food production to housing. While some insects harm us by spreading disease, destroying plants, or damaging homes, others help us by pollinating crops, eating other insects, and recycling nutrients in nature. Studying entomology teaches us about the role insects play on our planet and how we can interact with them to make our lives and the environment better.
What Is an Insect?
Animals with exoskeletons are called arthropods. Insects are a kind of arthropod featuring a three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen), six legs, compound eyes, and antennae. Examples include bees, flies, butterflies, beetles, crickets, and many others. Entomology generally refers to the study of insects but often includes some other kinds of arthropods including spiders, ticks, centipedes, and millipedes.
What Does an Entomologist Do?
Entomologists study insects and their relationships to the environment, humans, and other organisms. Entomologists make great contributions to the following fields—and many more!
Agriculture and Food Security
Entomological research plays a primary role in increasing crop yields while protecting the environment and ensuring national and global food security. Agricultural entomologists work with farmers to find ways to manage insect pests and protect their crops and livestock while simultaneously protecting beneficial insects.
Human Health
Entomological research is critical to limit and prevent the spread of many arthropod-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, dengue, and malaria. Medical entomologists find ways to prevent insects from spreading diseases, understand how ranges of these arthropods are changing over time and protect people and animals from being bitten.
Household Pests
Studying entomology teaches us how to keep our homes, schools, hospitals, and recreational areas free from pests. Entomologists advise pest management pros on how to safely prevent and remove pests. Structural entomologists study and discover ways to keep insects out of buildings, and ways to get rid of them if they do get in. Board Certified Entomologists, Associate Certified Entomologist, and Certified IPM Technicians demonstrate their commitment to excellence in pest management by obtaining ESA certification.
Invasive Species
When insect species from one part of the world arrive in another, they can pose a threat to native ecosystems, agriculture, public health, and local economies. Entomologists working in invasion ecology support prevention, early-detection, and rapid-response activities to minimize the impacts of invasive species.
Ecology
Studying entomology reveals how insects benefit humanity, like pollinating crops, preying on pests, serving as a food source, or simply revealing nature’s wonders. Ecological entomologists also study invasive insects and share knowledge across borders to reduce the impact of invaders.
Discovering Species
Finding new species and comparing them to existing collections in universities and museums allows entomologists to better understand insect evolution, biodiversity, and the role of insects in nature. Taxonomic entomologists conduct field studies to discover new insects, especially in tropical rain forests, where about half of all plant and animal species are found.
Forest Health
Studying entomology teaches us how to keep our forests healthy. Forest entomologists specialize in insects that harm or support wild plants and forests and study ways to manage them.
Animal Health
Veterinary entomologists work with zookeepers, ranchers, forest rangers, and veterinarians to help them protect animals from harmful insects.
Forensics
Studying entomology can teach us how to help solve crimes. Forensic entomologists help the police by examining bodies to find insects, which may provide clues about how and when they died.
Military Readiness
Entomological research keeps U.S. military personnel safe from arthropod-borne diseases, which have affected the health and readiness of U.S. troops in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War. Military entomologists protect soldiers from arthropod-borne diseases at home and overseas.
Museum Collections
Museum collections support identification services, helping experts determine whether exotic insects are native or invasive species, enabling the identification of beneficial insects that can be introduced as natural enemies to invasive pests, and studying the evolution of species. Entomology collections managers maintain treasure troves of knowledge.
How Can You Get Involved?
Consider a Career in Entomology
The study of insect science can provide a fascinating and rewarding career. Learn more about obtaining an education and career in entomology.
Advocate for Entomology
Sign up for ESA Action Alerts to join ESA members in connecting with legislators and making a real impact. Stay informed and advocate for evidence-based policies that support research, education, and application.
Support the Future of Entomology
Your support of ESA can take many forms. You can become a member, attend our events and conferences, volunteer your time, advertise with us, or make a donation.
Join ESA
Be part of a global network of nearly 7,000 entomologists and others in related disciplines who want to share their passion for insect science, and their expertise, knowledge and experience with you.
What Does ESA Do?
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines. Our members are passionate about understanding the complex world of insects and their impact on our planet. Through our publications, credential programs, meetings, professional development offerings, and more, ESA serves as a hub for scientific research, education, and outreach. Learn more about joining or supporting ESA.
