Entomologist!

1. Entomologist! By: Mike Niemann

2. What is an Entomologist? An Entomologist is a Zoologist specially dealing with the scientific study of insects. Entomologist comes from the Greek word “entomon” meaning ‘notched’ like the body of insects. Entomologists can also deal with the economic aspects of insects, whether the impact of insects in certain areas help or harm humans and the environment around them.

3. Now, a little History lesson... The first Entomologist was Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle, who in 4th century B.C. drew the first map of insect anatomy. In 1602, Italian Naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi published the first book on insects, De Animalibus Insectis (of insect animals). Later, two more major insect breakthroughs came. With the help of the new microscope in the 18th century, Dutch Naturalist Jan Swammerdam was able to observe an insect’s minute structures--and thus, insect classification began. In 1734, French Biologist René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur published six volumes of classified insects in his Mémoires pour servir à l’histoire des insectes (Memories serving as a history of Insects).

4. Yeah, but what does a modern Entomologist do? Insects number the highest ruling organisms in the world. In fact, 75% of all living things on Earth are insects. There are over 30 million species of insects, and millions more that have even yet to be discovered by science. Entomologists are constantly on the hunt for new species. Of the millions of species of insects, only a few hundred are actually understood. Entomologists are also working on\ understanding more species. Economic Entomologists develop methods for controlling insect pests. Some insects are perceived as threats, both to crops and spreading disease. They also use them in biochemical, developmental, and behavioral studies.

5. Sound like fun? here's what to do... High school students who are interested in a career in Entomology should begin taking courses such as: English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Latin, Geometry, and Algebra.

6. College Level Entomology... You’ll find that many Colleges offer training in Entomology, you just have to find the right one. School subject in college include: Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Entomology. You should earn a bachelor’s degree in this specialized field. For higher status, a Doctorate is required.

7. Career as an Entomologist Congratulations! Now that you’ve graduated it is time to get out into the work force…money doesn’t grow on trees you know. The average work day is spent both indoors and out. You will be working in a lab, as well as gathering new specimens from the outside world. The minimum education level to become and Entomologist is a bachelor’s degree. The Salary range is from $16,000 a year starting and climbs up to over $67,000+ a year. Certification or Licensing is required for certain positions. The Outlook is faster than the average.

8. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ As you may already know, College costs a LOT. Here is the tuition figures for the top schools in Entomology. Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)-$1,094 per semester. Institute of Zoology (Kiev, Ukraine)-$4,180 per semester Michigan State University (Lansing, Michigan)- $16,780.00 per year. University of Glasgow (Glasgow, Scotland)-£2000 ($2,979.13) University of Delaware (Townsend Hall, Delaware)-Will vary over they year

9. Entomologists and Rose Bay the missing link... Entomologists serve a purpose to Rose Bay that they pretty much might do anywhere. Because insects hardly act alone, they need to be studied in groups. If an Entomologist came to Rose Bay, he would see whether or not a certain insect group was beneficial or harmful. If pesticides were used they would see if the pesticides were necessary or not.

10. Job Opportunities Well the good thing is that being an Entomologist in Florida is very practical, because of the warm, humid weather it is ideal for insects--and plenty there are. The University of Florida has a strong Entomology department. All around Florida, especially in central Florida, landscape Entomologists are in high demand. Entomologists in Florida can work anywhere from field research to even working at the Entomology museum in Southwest Florida.