History Of Entomology

Entomology is the term used to describe the area in biology that is reserved to the study of insects. The term comes from the Greek word ‘entomos’ which means something that has been cut into pieces, or engraved or even segmented, and through an extended translation, insect. Entomology is in fact a branch of arthropodology. Insects have been the object of studies for many centuries now and there are about 1.3 million species that are described. It is also estimated that more than two thirds of the all known organisms are insects. Nevertheless, it has been pointed out that most of these species date from over 400 million years ago and different degrees and types of interactions with humans and other living organisms are part of their history and thus the object of entomology. In some cases, the word entomoly is used to describe the study of terrestrial animals belonging to some of the arthropod groups and which include myriapods, land snails, arachnids, earthworms and slugs. This use of the term is however technically incorrect and specialists argue that it should be avoided.

Entomology has always been part of the field of biology and its roots can easily be found in nearly all human cultures, dating from prehistoric times. It is said that the passion for studying insects had raise among those interested in agriculture. As part of this field, one needed to know more about biological control and beekeeping as well as other aspects. However, the scientific study of insects is estimated to have started in the 16th century.

Some famous entomologists whose work has remained famous throughout the history of this discipline include names such as Charles Darwin, Vladimir Nabokov, E.O Wilson and Karl von Frisch. Karl von Frisch had won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 thanks to his discoveries in the world of insects.