Entomology is a specialised branch of science that deals with the study of insects, vermin, scorpions, spiders and similar other species. It can be classified as a sub field of zoology, which is in turn a branch of biology. Sometimes known as insectology, entomology also deals with the study and classification of arthropods- an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton (external skeleton), a segmented body and jointed appendages.
Entomology is an enormous field of study, which has various subdivisions within it. These may include morphology, physiology, zoological categories of genetics, taxonomy, behaviour, ecology, nutrition of insects, as well limited forays into forensics and paleontology. The study of entomology can provide interesting clues into the history of life on Earth and it can also be used to make projections about the future. The study of insects serves as the basis for developments in biological and chemical pest control, biotechnological research and development, food and product storage.
Entomology is an ideal career for those who are fascinated with the world of insects or animals and agriculture profession. Those who are involved in this field are termed as entomologists.Â
Entomologists are biological scientists who work in the animal world
carrying out insect explorations. They are experts who specialize in the
identification, classification, observation and conservation of insects
and arthropods. Entomologists examine insects and their relationships
to plants, environment, humans, animals, agricultural sites and other
organisms. They are the persons responsible for the identification of
various species of insects, both harmful and harmless to plants, animals
and humans. Entomologists study and carry out research activities on insects
and related life forms based on their life cycle, physiological factors
and so on. They work to protect the environment; sustain agricultural
production; prevent the spread of disease; help farmers to produce food
and save endangered species. Entomologists are also concerned with the
study of urban pests, forest pests, agricultural pests and medical and
veterinary pests and their control. They conduct research to develop new
and improved methods and technologies to control or eliminate pests.
Entomologists can specialise in a single order or a specific family of insects. These may include :Â
Apiology - the scientific study of bees, especially honeybees
Myrmecology - the scientific study of antsÂ
Trichopterology - study of caddisflies
Dipterology - the scientific study of flies, including houseflies,
mosquitoes and gnats
Hemipterology - the scientific study related to bedbugs, squashbugs
and aphids
Lepidopterology - deals with the study of moths and butterflies
Coleopterology - the study of beetles
Orthopterology - the scientific study of orthoptera, including grasshoppers,
cockroaches, crickets, mantises etc.
Job opportunities are available for entomologists in technical as well as administrative and research line. Working conditions of entomologists depend on the type of their job. While some entomologists work in the field, others may work in the laboratory, classroom or find niches in regulatory entomology or the pest control industry.Â
