APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY MODULE 1

Introduction to Entomology

DEFINITION

• Entomology is the scientific study of insects.
• The branch of entomology, dealing with the

practical importance of insects, is known as
applied or economic entomology.

• Applied or Economic Entomology is mainly

concerned with the manipulation of both useful
and harmful insects to the best advantage of
mankind.

Branches of Entomology

• Agricultural Entomology

Concerned with agricultural pests.
Involves the study of

the biology and life history of agricultural insect

pests

their harmful effects on crop plants
the various methods of their control.

• Forest Entomology

This is the study of the insects which damage forest

trees.

It mainly includes the study of

Defoliators
sap-suckers
wood-borers, etc.

Branches of Entomology

• Veterinary Entomology
• Study of the insect pests of domestic animals.
• It includes the study of,

• Animal pests
• The ways in which they are harmful to animals
• The measures employed for their control

• Medical Entomology
• Study of the insects of public health importance.
• It mainly involves the study of,

• The insects which serve as vectors or carriers of human

diseases

• The methods by which they transmit and spread

diseases, and

• The methods by which they are controlled.

Branches of Entomology

• Forensic Entomology

• Study of the insects which are at the service of

forensic science.

• Forensic entomology help the courts of law to identify

and book criminals who have committed a crime;
means, The analysis and examination of such
materials for insects would pave the way to the
criminal

• Industrial Entomology

• The study of economically useful insects which yield

commercially important products.

• Study of honey bees, silk insects, lac insects, etc. is an

example

Branches of Entomology

• Nutritional Entomology

• This is the study of the insects which are used by man

as sources of food.

• Cultural Entomology.

• This is the study of the marvellously designed,

beautifully coloured and highly fascinating insects,
and their collection and preservation to meet the
cultural and aesthetic requirements of mankind.