Entomologist
OFO No: 2131309
Other names in Animal Scientist (Entomologist):
Animal Physiologist
Animal Scientist
Apicultural Scientist
Mammologist
Nematologist
Ornithologist
Osteologist
Parasitologist
What is an Entomologist?
Do you love bugs? If you said yes, then this could be the perfect career for you!
An Enthomologist studies insects and their relation to plant and animal life.
Entomology is a very old science which specialises in the study of insects. Humans have studied insects for centuries.
The field of insects is extremely large and varied, giving Entomologists loads to choose from.
Here are a few of the branches:
- Insect behaviour
- Morphology
- Nutrition
- Ecology
- Interaction of insects with other animals and/or agriculture
- The impact of insects on disease
- Forensic entomology – using insects to solve a crime
- Pesticides
Some Entomologists specialise in a particular insect, for example:
- Lepidopterist – butterflies
- Apiologist – bees
- Coleopterist – beetles
- Myrmecologist – ants etc
What does an Entomologist do?
- travels to remote areas to find samples of insects
- studies the habitat of the insects
- studies and research the lifecycles of insects
- studies the factors, like weather, pollution, deforestation etc that affect the insect
- does experiments and tests in a laboratory
- documents and analyses all the information
- liaisse and swops information with other scientists
- attends conferences
Are you . . . ?
- passionate about bugs?
- interested in science?
- interested in research?
- able to work on your own?
- methodical?
- responsible?
- analytical?
- patient?
How do I become an Entomologist?
Most Entomologists start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities.
Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours degree in Zoology or Entomology. Some students prefer to do their Entomology alongside a BSc Agriculture.
Each university has their own specialised field of Entomology. It will depend on you and what you want to study.
STEPS
Degree
Relevant Honours degree in Entomology
Workplace experience
Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Cryptozoologist … or … Herpetologist
Is becoming an Entomologist the right career choice for me?
