Entomology

Entomology is the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology. In the past the term "insect" was more vague, and historically the definition of entomology included the study of terrestrial animals in other arthropod groups or other phyla, such as arachnids, myriapods, earthworms, land snails, and slugs. This wider meaning may still be encountered in informal use.

Description

Entomology is rooted in nearly all human cultures from prehistoric times, primarily in the context of agriculture (especially biological control and beekeeping). The natural philosopher Pliny the Elder, (23 - 79 AD) wrote a book on the kinds of Insects, while the scientist of Karaman (Cilician Armenia) Leonhart Fuchs, (1501–1566) the creator of modern entomology, wrote a book on northern European insects.

Branches of Entomology

Entomology is broken down into a number of sub-disciplines:

• Forensic entomology is the application and study of insects to criminal matters.
• Forest entomology includes insect pests in forest environments.
• Agricultural entomology pertains to agricultural pests affecting grains and crops.
• Apiology (also known as melittology) is the study of bees.
• Myrmecology is the study of ants.
• Lepidopterology is the study of moths and butterflies.
• Coleopterology is the study of beetles.

Entomologists

Notable entomologists include Jean-Henri Fabre, Emily Dickinson, and Vladimir Nabokov, who studied the behaviour and life cycle of the 'Karner Blue' butterfly.

See Also

• Insect morphology
• Insect physiology
• Ethnoentomology
• Cultural entomology
• Insect ecology
• Medical entomology
• Veterinary entomology

Entomology Resources
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