Entomology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of insects. Insects are found throughout Canada and play an important role in our daily lives. By learning about insects, ENTOMOLOGISTS contribute to our understanding of nature and to the improvement of our food, health and living standards.
Insects play vital roles in almost all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. For example, among the insects associated with plants, some are responsible for pollination, while others feed on various plant parts, whether the plant is living or dead. Some insects feed on other animals (including other insects) as predators or parasites. Still other insects feed on dung or carrion and help in its decomposition. Insects are also important sources of food for many fish, birds, and mammals, including humans.
Because they are so numerous and have such diverse lifestyles (some species can produce several generations per year), insects are often used as subjects in basic research in genetics, molecular biology, physiology and ecology.
Insects are the largest and most diverse groups of animals in the world. More than 35,000 species of insects and their relatives have been named in Canada, and entomologists estimate that there are at least as many species ‘unknown’ to science.
Only about 1% of the known species of insects in Canada are considered to be pests: these pest species feed on our crops and garden plants, stored products, forests, and clothing. Some even feed on us! Insects such as fleas and mosquitoes can spread diseases among animals, including humans, while other insects, such as aphids, spread diseases among plants. Because insects destroy about one-quarter of everything we produce or store in Canada, many entomologists are involved in the search for, and development of, new ways of limiting the impact of these pests.
Entomologists in Canada are employed by a variety of organizations. They work in federal and provincial government establishments, universities and colleges, industries, and museums.
Many entomologists, no matter where they work, are concerned with reducing the damage caused by insect pests. This task requires teams of entomologists, with specialties in such fields as insect ecology, pathology, genetics, physiology, behaviour, taxonomy, and toxicology. Insect damage reduction also involves many entomologists who work on developing new insecticides (biological and chemical), and other strategies that can be used for pest control.
Other entomologists study the beneficial roles of insects and search for ways to domesticate pollinators, to increase populations of beneficial insects that feed on weeds and insect pests, and to develop ways of using insects as indicators of environmental pollution or climate change. Entomologists also conduct research in many areas of basic and applied insect biology, which helps to increase our understanding of insect population dynamics and the role of insects in ecosystems. Entomologists employed as taxonomists assist in the identification of insects and contribute to our knowledge and appreciation of this diverse group of animals.
Many entomologists, especially those who work at universities, colleges and museums, teach about insects and train new entomologists. All entomologists try to promote a basic appreciation of insects by the Canadian public.
Preparation for a career in entomology can begin from an early interest in insects. School nature clubs provide an excellent way to discover and learn about insects with friends. In high school, courses that give a good background in science and in writing skills are especially useful. Many enthusiastic high school students are hired by governments and universities during the summer months.
In Canada, nearly all entomologists have a university education. The first years at university should include courses in all aspects of science. Most universities have senior level courses in entomology and related courses such as agriculture, forestry, and the study of other terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
It is possible to undertake graduate studies in entomology at most Canadian universities. Specific information on the various areas of specialization may be obtained directly from universities or the Entomological Society of Canada.
ESC Homepage