So you wanna be an entomologist?

What exactly is ‘entomology’? Is it just a matter of running around a field in a pair of shorts catching butterflies with a big net? Or is there something more to it?

Quick definition
In a nutshell, entomology involves the naming of insects, and the ‘study of their classification, evolutionary history, form and structure’ and ‘all aspects of physiology, genetics, biochemistry, behaviour and molecular biology’. (Thanks to the BioSyB department at the National Museum and Galleries of Wales for that definition).

Why bother?
Good question. What’s the point of grabbing every bug you come across and then sticking a pin through it? Not much, of course. But that was more the Victorian way of doing things when, in the wake of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’, the public became aware of all the pretty little creatures in their bushes, and went entomology crazy.

And today?
Today entomologists contribute greatly to our understanding of the natural world: to the importance of bio-diversity in maintaining the eco-system, and to our ability to manage eco-systems when they begin to break down. Then there’s also the fact that, ourselves aside, the things that do the most damage to the well-being of the human race are insects: whether they are killing us (mosquitoes), killing our livestock (blow flies), destroying our crops (beetles, locusts), throwing-up all over our food (house flies), spoiling our picnics (ants and wasps), or are just plain disgusting (cockroaches, anyone?) – the work of entomologists allows science to isolate and control their more destructive tendencies by identifying their behavioural and biological traits. (See Links for details).

Surely not all insects are bad?
Of course not. No matter how beautiful or ugly the bug is, it will have a vital role to play in its own natural biosphere. In fact, many insects have proved of value to medicine - even the lowest of the low in the bug chain: maggots (just check out Q is for Queasy).

Ok, so what exactly does the modern day entomologist do?
As you’ve probably already gathered, there’s very few running around with big nets these days (although field sampling is still part of the job description). Instead, there’s lots of research, lots of lab work (including the incredibly sexy DNa sequencing), some foreign travelling, and even product development. There’s also a good chance that you will discover an insect as yet unknown to man (scientists believe that there could be as many as 10 million of them out there), and that you will then be bestowed the privilege of giving it whatever name you desire. You might even consider working as a Forensic Entomologist. See O is for Odontology for more details.

Give me a net, and I’ll get started!
Hold it just one minute, Dr Bugman. We’re talking hi-tech skill acquisition here: DNa sequencing isn’t something you learn from the back of a cornflakes packet; neither is cell biology, environmental biology, comparative physiology, systematics, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, conservation biology, environmental chemistry, microbiology and genetics.

University: If you’re going to get yourself qualified to be an entomologist, you’re going to have to go to University. There are any number of degrees that you can take in order to set off on the right path, including a BSc in Biology, a BSc in animal Science, a BSc in applied Biology with animal Science, or a BSc in Entomology and Pest Management. (See Links). In order to be accepted onto a relevant degree course you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs including Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English; and 3 ‘a’ levels including Biology, Chemistry and/or Maths and Physics.

And beyond
Postgraduate, it’s a very competitive field, and you should seriously consider a doctorate in entomology. This will take you a minimum of three years to achieve, but there are lots of opportunities within university departments working alongside the commercial sector (see Links).

Future prospects
Very good. You’re never going to become a millionaire as an entomologist, but there are plenty of job opportunities out there for those who are suitably qualified. You might end up working for a museum, a pest management company in the private sector, an academic institution, or for a government agency. Often, where joint ventures or research programmes are concerned, you’ll find yourself working for all four. Whichever field you choose to specialise in, the work will be varied and interesting as long as you remain motivated by the curiosity and desire to discover. (See Links for a comprehensive list of 1500 entomology departments and institutions in the academic institutions and government agencies of 152 different countries).