Hobbies And Interests
Forensic Entomology
Forensic entomology uses the study of an insect's life, its behavior and life cycle to aid in both criminal and civil investigations. Criminal cases typically involve the deceased and what are known as necrophagous or carrion-feeding insects. Forensic entomologists use these insects to help determine time and place of death. A civil case, on the other hand, might involve pests who harm the living or their property. Investigating a bedbug infestation in a hotel, for example, might require the services of a forensic entomologist.
Medical Entomology
Medical entomology deals with disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes, mites, ticks and fleas. Originating in 1878 with the discovery that mosquitoes had the capability to transmit parasites, this discipline deals with other infectious diseases like malaria, typhus, and plague. Military medical entomology, separate from civilian medical entomology, helps armies determine and eradicate insect threats to troops. According to the United States Air Force, the military has been using medical entomologists since 1900 and the discovery that mosquitoes transmitted yellow fever.
Agricultural Entomologists
Agricultural entomologists can work in either the public or private sector. As government employees, they focus on food crop pests, like beetles, moths or aphids, working to improve productivity and reduce the amount of revenue loss from insect damage. For a private company, an entomologist might help reduce pest damage to anything from shade trees and ornamental plants, to homes and shopping centers. Agricultural entomologists work with private companies on the development of pesticides as well.
Research Entomology
Research entomologists can be experts in any sub-field of entomology. Lepidopterists, for example, study moths and butterflies. Their studies can extend to classification, conservation, toxicology and evolutionary biology.