Includes bibliographical references and appendices.

Entomology is rooted in nearly all human cultures from prehistoric times, primaily inthe context of agriculture (especially biological control and beekeeping), but scientificstudy began only as recently as the 16th century.
Entomology is the scientific study of insects,a branch of arthropodology.At some 1.3million described species,insects account for more than two-thirds of all known organisms,date back some 400 million years,and have many kinds of interactions with humans andother forms of life on earth.It is a speciality within the field of biology.Though technicallyincorrect,the definition is sometimes widened to include the study of terrestrial animalsin other arthropod groups or other phyla, such as arachnids, myriapods,earthworms,andslugs.Like several of the other fields that are categorized within zoology, entomology isa taxon-based category; any form of scientific study in which there is a focus on insectrelated enquiries is,by definition,entomology.Entomology therefore includes a cross-section of topics as diverse as molecular genetics,behaviour,biomechanics,biochemistry,systematics,physiology,developmental biology,ecology, morphology,paleontology,anthropology,robotics,agriculture,nutrition, forensic science and more.
Entomology is both a basic and an applied science that deals with the study of insectsand their relatives.Entomologists are at the cutting edge of scientific research in suchareas as systematics,physiology,biological control, and integrated pest management.Applied entomology helps further develop and transfer the knowledge and understandinggained through basic research to those who can benefit directly. Employers includeuniversities,government agencies,and private industry. There are ample opportunities towork with people.No matter what your interests,skills, and background, there's a placefor you in entomology.