Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Insects are incredibly important animals. They pollinate many plants including food crops and are a vital source of food for other animals such as birds, fish and mammals. Many insect species also control other more harmful species. Harmful insects can destroy crops or stored food and spread diseases among animals and human beings. Without insects the world would be a very different place.
There are many different roles for entomologists.
They can work in:
- field research – conducting scientific surveys of natural habitats and studying ecology
- conservation – protecting, managing and enhancing wildlife
- laboratory research – in a wide range of fields, such as taxonomy (classifying insects) and fighting diseases that are spread to humans, animals and plants by insects
- university teaching and research.
Tasks vary depending on the employer, but the work could include:
- studying, monitoring, classifying and keeping records of insect species, using computers to record the data
- studying the physiology, genetics, behaviour and/or habitat of insects
- recommending ways to prevent the importation and spread of harmful insects
- researching the impact of insect pests and how to manage them
- developing and testing new insecticides and other control agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi or other insects)
- researching the role of beneficial insects
- working on conservation projects to research species in decline or under threat of extinction
- managing and using museum collections and maintaining local heritage archives
- researching past environments by studying insect remains on archaeological sites
- monitoring the spread of diseases by insects
- working with other scientists to develop crops that are resistant to pests
- producing guides to help others identify insect species
- working with children through schools and wildlife groups to encourage their interest in insects
- training and supervising junior staff, researchers and volunteers
- teaching students
- presenting the results of research in books and journals and at conferences.
Entomologists may work with other scientists and technicians, employees and volunteers from conservation organisations, and representatives from local and national government and industry.
Hours and environment
Hours vary from post to post. Entomologists in research and higher education usually work about 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Many, especially those working in conservation and field research, may work irregular hours, including weekends.
Research entomologists may spend a significant amount of their time in laboratories or in the field. Those in higher education divide their time between lecture theatres, classrooms, laboratories and offices and are also involved in research. Entomologists working in the field or conservation spend some time outdoors and may have to cope with all weather conditions. Fieldwork can be physically demanding.
Special precautions, including wearing protective clothing, must be taken when dealing with dangerous species or toxic substances.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Salaries for entomologists may start at around €25,000 a year.
- With experience, this may rise to €35,000.
- Senior entomologists and those at the top of their field may earn €90,000, or more.
Skills and personal qualities
Entomologists need:
- a logical and enquiring mind
- the ability to keep meticulous records
- good communication skills
- patience and perseverance
- to be able to work in a team and on their own initiative
- good information retrieval skills – there are millions of insect species in the world.
Knowledge of a foreign language may be useful for working abroad.
Interests
It is important for an entomologist to be interested in:
- biological and environmental sciences and natural history
- the specialist area in which they work.
Getting in
There are only a small number of entomologists in Ireland. Employers include:
- universities, research establishments and conservation organisations
- government departments, such as Teagasc (The Agriculture and Food Development Authority).
- pharmaceutical and pest management companies
- ecological consultancies
- national museums
- consultancies.
Competition for jobs, especially in conservation and fieldwork, can be intense, although there is demand for accomplished entomologists. Many jobs are offered on short-term contracts.
A growth area is that of consultancies. Planning regulations mean that ecological surveys of sites earmarked for development usually have to be carried out to research the wildlife found on that site. There is a demand for entomologists in particular as this is a specialised field.
Entry routes:
Most entomologists have degrees. At present there are no undergraduate degrees in entomology, but entomology modules are available in some biology, zoology, biological sciences and environmental science degree.
Useful Links:
Teagasc-(The Agriculture and Food Development Authority)
The Royal Entomological Society
British Entomological & Natural History Society