entomologi

Entomology is the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology. It encompasses the description, classification, and understanding of insect diversity, form, function, behavior, ecology, and evolution, as well as the interactions of insects with humans and other organisms.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with millions of described species and many more undescribed. Entomology covers both basic science and applied disciplines. Major subfields include taxonomy and systematics (classification and naming), anatomy and physiology (structure and function), ecology and ethology (behavior and interactions with ecosystems), development and genetics (metamorphosis, reproduction, population genetics), and insect paleontology (fossil insects). Applied areas include agricultural and horticultural entomology (pest management and crop protection), medical and veterinary entomology (vectors of disease and parasites), forensic entomology (estimation of time of death from insects on remains), pollination biology, stored-product entomology, and economic entomology.

Methods combine field collection, observational studies, and laboratory techniques. Researchers use microscopy, imaging, rearing experiments, and molecular tools such as DNA barcoding, genomics, and phylogenetics. Modern entomology also employs computational modeling and geographic information systems to study distribution and dynamics.

Historically, entomology emerged from natural history and taxonomy in the 17th–19th centuries, with figures such as Linnaeus, Fabricius, and later Fabre contributing to behavior and classification. The field continues to expand as insects respond to environmental change and as new technologies enable deeper insight into their biology and roles in ecosystems.