Careers in Entomology

by Gary A. Dunn, M.S., F.R.E.S., Director of Education

(Professional and hobby entomologist)

INTRODUCTION

Perhaps you've thought about making entomology your career. What do entomologists do? An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. Entomologists have many important jobs. Some entomologists' study the classification, life cycle, distribution, physiology, behavior, ecology, or population dynamics of insects. Other entomologists study urban pests, forest pests, agricultural pests, or medical and veterinary pests and their control; some work with beneficial insects like honey bees, silkworms, ladybird beetles, and parasitic wasps. Entomologists are researchers, teachers, or consultants, and may work for private companies, universities, or government agencies.

PROFESSIONAL ENTOMOLOGY

About 8,000 men and women are professional entomologists in the United States. They work in jobs that include teaching about insects, working as extension entomologists, raising bees, enforcing quarantines and regulations, doing insect survey work, consulting on integrated pest management topics, selling insecticides, controlling pests, and conducting research on insect classification, taxonomy, biology, ecology, behavior, or control. The greatest number are employed in some aspect of economic or applied entomology dealing with the control of harmful insects. There are also tens of thousands of amateur entomologists and hobbyists who study insects without pay, and who provide valuable information on insect distributions, seasonal activity patterns, identification, life cycles, behavior, and more.

Entomology Careers in Research. This work includes such phases of entomology as studying and understanding the anatomy, habits, life histories, physiology, and classification of insects and investigating various types of chemical and biological controls. More and more basic information is required to supply answers to complex questions and problems about insects.

It is important to know the identity of insects in a local habitat, to know the identity of local insects that pollinate crop plants or recycle wastes, or to know the identity of an insect pest before applying a control measure; thus insect taxonomists are needed. Taxonomists identify unknown insects for themselves and for other researchers. These entomologists are also found on staffs at museums and institutions where insect collections are maintained. Most entomologists maintain an expert interest in some particular group of insects. Many of these people write about the habits and life cycle of certain insect groups or prepare identification keys, which are used by teachers and researchers in their work.

Developing methods for controlling insect pests is a very important phase of research. Scientists are constantly striving to find ways of applying chemicals with greater efficiency, economy, and safety. State and federal agencies, industry, private research foundations, and other organizations conduct most of this experimentation.

Another phase of insect control involves the use of beneficial insects and other organisms that affect insects. Entomologists who study this phase of insect control specialize in biological control -- that is, make use of the natural enemies of insect pests. For instance, other insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses have been found to be insect parasites.

Many entomologists are also involved with research in IPM (Integrated Pest Management). Basically, IPM is a system that utilizes all suitable pest control techniques and methods to keep pests below economically injurious levels. Each pest control technique must be carefully designed so that it is environmentally sound and is compatible with producer and user objectives. IPM is more than chemical pesticide management; it also includes biological, cultural and sanitary control practices.

Once sound, reliable information on insect control is gathered from research, the results are given to farmers and other persons who deal with insect pests through the Cooperative Extension Service.

Entomology Careers in Teaching and Extension. There are many opportunities for teaching entomology at colleges, and through nonprofit educational institutions and organizations.

The Cooperative Extension Service in each state plays an important role in getting information on insects and pest control to homeowners, farmers and others. They work closely with these people and businesses to help them solve their problems. They also design projects and activities for youth through the 4-H program. Another important extension job is the survey entomologist. This person continuously keeps an eye on all important crops in a given state or area for possible insect outbreaks. Farmers and growers can thus be alerted before problems get out of hand.

Entomology Careers in Applied Entomology. Many entomologists work for government agencies. For example, regulatory entomologists help prevent the entrance of harmful, destructive pests from foreign countries. Both federal and state governments have set up plant and animal quarantine agencies. All plants, fruits, vegetables, artifacts, baggage, and animals are examined at ports of entry. This is done under the supervision of trained entomologists and other scientists. When introduced insects establish a foothold in our country, infested areas are placed under strict quarantine. In some cases roadblocks and inspection stations are erected to prevent the spread of pests. Most states have laws and regulations requiring the inspection of nursery stock, many types of agricultural produce, logs, and bee hives. Many states also have laws regulating the activities of pest control operators (exterminators) and pesticide applicators. Entomologists help enforce these important laws and furnish technical information and advice to those in this type of insect control work.

Medical or public health entomologists work for federal, state and local public health departments and are confronted with many pest control problems. Many entomologists are engaged in public health work -- in different areas of research and control of house flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, lice, fleas, ticks and many other pests that pose a health hazard or nuisance problem.

Military entomologists work for various branches of the armed forces. These entomologists supervise pest control operations at a large number of military bases in the United States and abroad. Research work and the protection of military personnel against insect- borne diseases and parasites are very important aspects of entomology in the military service.

Forensic entomologists are a new breed. If you like solving mysteries, the new field of forensic entomology might be right for you. Your knowledge of insect life cycles and behavior can help police solve crimes.

Agricultural entomologists work to protect valuable crops from insect pests. Annual losses to agricultural insect pests are enormous, and in some areas may result in up to a 25% loss in yield. Agricultural entomologists, pest management consultants, and pest scouts are all involved in research and control of crop pests.

The rapid growth of the forest products industry has set the stage for forest entomology. Our country has a large appetite for lumber, pulp and paper products, and Christmas trees and annual losses to forest insect are enormous, and forest entomologists are leading the fight to protect these valuable resources from insect pests.

Commercial Entomologists work for industry rather than public agencies. These jobs may involve field service work, research, or performing insect control services for a fee, or selling insecticides. This last work is part of the large agribusiness industry which supplies farmers and growers with goods and services.

Some entomologists engage in control of pests affecting shade trees, lawns, ornamental plants, homes, warehouses, stores, hotels and restaurants. Other work includes the spraying of farm crops and orchards, as well as spraying urban areas for flies and mosquitoes.

Commercial entomologists may also work as private consultants to the pesticide industry, pest control operators, and agribusiness (e.g. pest management services). Entomologists in this field may establish their own company, work for a small business, or work for a large commercial company.

Apiculturalists. There are many careers associated with apiculture, or beekeeping. Beekeepers learn how to work with bees, how to identify bees in various stages of development, and how to establish and care for bee colonies. Their efforts produce healthy colonies to be used for crop pollination and a harvest of honey and beeswax. As a research apiculturalist you might help develop new techniques in apiary management, or as a teacher you might help others get started with keeping their own bees.

These are some of the major areas where entomologists are working and they may include activities or careers of interest to you. I encourage you to maintain your interest in insects and to consider a career in entomology.

PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN ENTOMOLOGY

Young people interested in a career in entomology should prepare themselves by taking classes in math and science (biology, zoology, botany, ecology, and chemistry). Also, become familiar with the steps of the scientific method and practice keeping records and presenting information, data, and conclusions. Conduct your own investigations of the insect world, and visit libraries and stores to find interesting educational books, videos, and software about insects. (Check out the Minibeast Merchandise Mall.) As you get older, look for summer jobs with industries, universities, state experiment stations, or government agencies that deal with insects. Even spending the day with a museum curator, beekeeper, pest control operator, or other professional entomologist will provide you with insight into entomological careers and help you decide if a career in entomology is right for you. Don't overlook the training available through youth groups (scouts, 4-H, science and bug clubs, and the Young Entomologists' Society). Through organizations like the Young Entomologists' Society, young insect enthusiasts who wish to further their investigations into the amazing world of insects can find new friends, trade insect specimens and information, publish interesting information on insects, read about the latest discoveries in insect study, and use the services provided by the organization. What better way to find out what entomology is all about. Even if you don't want to become a professional entomologist, there are unlimited opportunities for entomological pursuits as a lifelong hobby.

Other sources of information on careers in entomology include a free 8 page brochure called Discover Entomology (published by the Entomological Society of America, 9301 Annapolis Road, Lanham MD 20706, phone 301-731- 4535) and a 4-page Occupation Brief (#243): Entomologists" (published by Chronicle Guidance Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 1190, Moravia NY 13118-1190) which gives highly detailed information on work performed, work conditions, hours and earnings, education and training, personal qualifications, employment outlook, etc. Your school guidance councilor may already have a copy; if not, it can be obtained from Chronicle Guidance Publications.

"TOURING" COLLEGE ENTOMOLOGY DEPARTMENTS

Thanks to the wonders of the electronic age you can take internet "tours" of prominent entomology departments around the United States, and learn more about their faculty, courses, and degree offerings.

Area frequently under construction!

• Auburn University (Alabama)
• Clemson University (South Carolina)
• Colorado State University
• Cornell University (New York)
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• Louisiana State University
• Michigan State University
• Mississippi State University
• Missouri University
• Montana State University
• North Carolina State University
• North Dakota State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oregon State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Purdue University (Indiana)
• Rutgers University (New Jersey)
• Texas A & M
• University of Arizona
• University of Arkansas
• University of California - Berkeley
• University of California - Davis
• University of California - Riverside
• University of Delaware
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Idaho
• University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
• University of Kansas
• University of Kentucky
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts
• University of Minnesota
• University of Missouri
• University of Nebraska
• University of Tennessee
• University of Wisconsin (Madison)
• University of Wyoming
• Utah State University
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• Washington State University

Looking for links to Universities outside the USA, then click here

ENTOMOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS

The American Entomological Society awards the Calvert Prize each year to a young person in the greater Delaware Valley for an outstanding insect-related science fair project. The Prize in named in honor of Dr. Philip P. Calvert who joined the Society as a teenager, later became its president, and was a member for 74 years. For information, contact the American Entomological Society, 1900 Race St., Philadelphia PA 19103, phone 215-561-3978.

The Coleopterists Society offers two cash grants each year to fund investigative beetle projects by junior high and senior high school students. Information and applications for the Coleopterists Society Youth Incentive Award can be obtained from the Coleopterists Society, c/o Dr. David Furth, Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, Washington DC 20013-7012.

The Entomological Society of America, in cooperation with BioQuip Products of Gardena, CA, offer a number of scholarships and prizes to college students. For further information, contact the Entomological Society of America, 9301 Annapolis Road, Lanham MD 20706, phone 301-731-4535.

Many other entomological organizations (societies, graduate student groups, and entomology departments) offer awards and prizes to outstanding insect-related science fair projects entered in state, national, and international Science and Engineering Fairs. The Science Fair organizers or staff will know more about these awards and whether any are offered in your state.

REFERENCES

If you would like to know more about careers in entomology and related fields, I recommend the following books:

• A Beekeeper's Year. Sylvia Johnson. Little, Brown and Co. Boston. 1994. 32pp., illust.
• A Day in the Life of a Beekeeper. Troll Associates. P. Michaels and J. Tropea. Mahwah, NJ. 1991.
• A Firefly Biologist at Work.  Sneed B. Collard III.  Scholastic Inc.  New York NY.  2001.  48pp., illust.
• Forensics.  Discovery School Editorial Staff.  Gareth Stevens Publishing.  Milwaukee WI  2004.  32pp., illust.
• The Pleasures of Entomology. Howard E. Evans. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, DC. 1985
• Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions. Laurence Pringle. Charles Scribner's Sons. New York. 1994.
• The Tarantula Scientist.  Sy Montgomery.  Houghton Mifflin.  Boston MA.  2004.  80pp., illust.

If you would like to read about some minibeast enthusiasts and their experiences, I recommend the following books:

• The Bug Scientists.  Donna M. Jackson.  Houghton Mifflin.  Boston MA.  2002.  48pp., illust.
• Butterflies and Late Loves. Margaret Fountaine. Salem House. Topsfield, MA. 1987.
• For Love of Insects.  Thomas Eisner.  Harvard University Press.  Cambridge MA.  2003.  446pp., illust.
• Girls Who Looked Under Rocks.; The Lives of Six Pionerring Naturalists.  Paula Conner.  Dawn Publications.  Nevada City CA.  2000.  63pp., illust (b & w)
• Insects Are My Life. Megan McDonald. Orchard Books. New York. 1995.
• I'm Going to Be an Entomologist. Claryce Allen. DLM Teaching Resources. Allen, TX. 1990.
• Love Among the Butterflies. Margaret Fountaine. Little, Brown and Co. Boston. 1980.
• Insect Potpourri: Adventures in Entomology. Jean Adams. Sandhill Crane Press. Gainesville, FL. 1992.
• Monarch Butterfly. International Traveler. F.A. Urquhart. Nelson-Hall. Chicago. 1987.
• Of Mosquitoes, Moths, and Mice. C. Brooke Worth. Norton and Co. New York. 1972.
• My Mom is a Beekeeper.  Sarah Hughes.  Children's Press.  New York NY.  2001.  24pp., illust.
• To the Zoo in a Plastic Box. John and George Newmark. Random House. New York. 1965.

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This educational resource was prepared by the Young Entomologists Society, 6907 West Grand River Ave., Lansing MI 48906 USA; phone/fax: 517- 886-0630, e-mail YESbugs@aol.com.  Support minibeast youth education - join Y.E.S. today!