Entomologists are biological scientists who specialize in the study of insects, both in the field and laboratory settings.

Most entomologists specialize by studying a specific species or group of insects such as bees, butterflies, beetles, or ants. An entomologist who works with bees could choose to narrow their focus to specialize in working with a single species, such as honeybees. They can then specialize even further by studying behavior, nutrition, reproduction, disease transmission, or pest management issues related to their specific species of interest.

Other options for employment include pursuing career paths such as forensic entomology (using insect evidence to assist police investigations) or entomological paleontology (studying insect fossils and evolution).

Career Roles & Responsibilities

#1

Studying, monitoring, classifying, and cataloguing insect species. For example, if you come across a new species of insect, you must study and monitor its behaviour and environmental stimuli (reaction to surroundings), do a taxonomy study (classifying the insect’s genus, kingdom, phylum, species, etc.), record the bacteria (good or bad) it carries, and more.

#2

Studying the insect’s physiology (study of its organs and anatomy), genetics (study of its hereditary), behaviour, ecology, and habitat. Suppose, you specialize in the study of a certain species of beetles. You must, then, understand their anatomy, map their ancestry (genetics), study their behaviour and their relation to their surroundings.

#3

Researching beneficial insects and their role in nature. For example, depending on your specialisation, you might be conducting a scientific experiment to analyse how bees are having a positive impact on the plant and flower species they pollinate.

#4

Researching the impact of insect pests and how to control them. Not all insects are good for nature, or for us. For example, a certain agricultural area infested with locusts (a type of disease-carrying grasshopper) would be vulnerable to widespread crop loss. Your research will include your recommendations on tackling such an infestation of locusts. Additionally, you will be working with other scientists to develop crops that are resistant to these locusts.

#5

Developing and testing new insecticides using bacteria, viruses, or fungi to control these pests. For example, you may have to tag with a team of chemists and biochemists to analyse what chemical (organic or inorganic sources) would be effective against the insect pest in question.

#6

Managing and maintaining heritage archives and museum records on fossilized or petrified insects. As an entomologist, you also get to research ancient and extinct insects preserved by archaeologists in museums. By studying these records, you also get a strong idea of past environments.

#7

Helping investigators solve crimes by studying insects and larvae found at crime scenes. This highly specialised field is popularly called Forensic Entomology. In a given case, you might work to determine the age of the insect/larvae and match it with other evidence to hence pinpoint the time of crime.

#8

Producing scientific literature to help others identify insect species. For example, you will create a document (in the form of media, talks, shows, etc.) to raise public awareness about new and emerging species.

#9

Educating children via schools and wildlife groups to encourage their interest in entomology. This is a major responsibility as an entomologist, since you will be working closely with academic establishments.

Career Education Path Summary

STEP 1: Class XI - XII/Junior College

Go to high school or junior college and take up biology and mathematics as your core subjects besides physics, chemistry and computers.

STEP 2: Entrance Exams

You must write entrance exams for Bachelors of Science in either biology or directly entomology. There are only a few colleges offering BSc Entomology courses in India, but for BSc (general) you will have plenty of options.

STEP 3: Graduate Degree

During your BSc, you will study zoology as one of the subjects. Keep a special focus on this while studying hard for others as well.

STEP 4: Postgraduate Degree

This is an optional step if you have already chosen entomology as your BSc specialisation. However, if you chose BSc in Biology, you must go for a Masters in Science and then, optionally, a Doctoral program, focused on your chosen specialisation in Entomology.

STEP 5: Land a Job

Now you have graduated with a relevant degree, maybe even a post-graduate degree and a PhD. You also have an amazing set of skills and an absolute love for those little creatures. Put all this to use to bag a job!