Ask Dr. Bug: How do you become an insect scientist and what do they do?

by Tamra Reall, PhD, Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - Urban West



There are many ways to become an insect scientist, also called an entomologist. Entomologists, like Dr. Bug (me!), study the fascinating world of insects. In addition to studying insects, curiosity and education are key! Other useful subjects include math, chemistry, ecology, art, writing, and public speaking.
 
Depending on your interests, here are some of the different kinds of entomologist you can become one:

• Conservationist/Ecologist: These scientists study insects in their habitat, protecting beneficial insects, endangered species, and ecosystems.
• Urban entomologist: These scientists keep our homes and cities safe from insects, like bed bugs and mosquitoes, that can cause problems.
• Crop entomologists: These scientists keep our food supply safe by studying insect pests and promoting Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management to protect beneficial insects and to keep our environment healthy.
• Physiologist: These scientists usually work in labs, figuring out how insects work from the inside out. They may work with insect cells, DNA, and other microscopic parts and biological reactions that make insects work.
• Teacher/Professor: These scientists share their knowledge and passion for insects, inspiring future generations of entomologists!
• Military entomologist: These scientists protect soldiers from harmful pests.
• Systematist: These scientists discover and classify new insect species, keeping track of this incredible diversity.

So, which type of insect scientist are you curious about? What insects do you want to study? To get you started, here are a few experiments you can do at home to learn more about insects.

Learn How Termites Talk!
Termites use chemical trails to help nestmates find food and their way back home.

Supplies:

• Paper and a clipboard
• A variety of pens (BIC ballpoint, gel, etc.)
• Paint brush
• Small container and slightly moistened cotton
• Termites (found in the ground near wood sources like mulch or firewood piles)

What to do:
1.First, find your tiny team. Gently dig in moist soil near wood to find worker termites. Collect 5-ish with a paintbrush and put them in a container with a damp paper towel (keep it shady!).
2.On the paper, use a pen to draw simple shapes.
3.Using the paint brush, gently place a termite in the center of a shape and watch its path. Does it follow the line?
4.Repeat step 3 with different pens. Do the termites react differently?

Observe and wonder: Can termites "smell" the pen ink? What might this tell us about how they communicate?

See this experiment in action by clicking https://youtube.com/shorts/cscHDDX9e7k or scanning the QR code.
 
Be a Water Strider Scientist!
Water striders glide across the water's surface. Let's unlock their secret: surface tension!

Supplies:

• Shallow dish, water
• Paperclip, hair tie, blade of grass, button
• (Optional) Toothpick, small coin

Skim the Science:
1.Fill the dish with water.
2.Gently place each object on the water. Does it float?
3.Touch the water near the object. Does it sink now?
4.If it still floats, add a little soap to the water

Water Magic: Water has surface tension, like a thin "skin." This lets lightweight objects float, just like water striders! Touching the water disrupts this "skin," causing some objects to sink.

Observe and wonder: What did you learn about floating objects? Being lightweight helps water striders to use surface tension. Water striders also have water-repellant hairs on their hind and middle legs to increase the surface area and help them glide on the water surface. Learn more about water striders here: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/water-striders
 
Be an Insect Inspector: Build Your Own Traps!
Let's see what creepy crawlies live in your backyard! Build these simple traps and observe the fascinating insect world.

Supplies:

• Pitfall Trap: Plastic cup, spoon, soil, paper
• Bait Trap: Empty plastic water bottle, fruit scraps, tape
• Light Trap: White sheet, flashlight, black light (optional, with adult supervision)

Trapped!

1. Pitfall Party: Dig a hole the size of your cup in the soil. Place the cup in the hole with the rim level with the ground. Cover the top with a paper "roof" held by a stick. Check your pitfall daily!
2. Bug Buffet: Cut the top off a clean plastic water bottle. Invert the top (like a funnel) and place it back into the bottom section, securing the edges with tape. Add some fruit scraps inside the bottle. Watch what insects visit your mini buffet! They can fly in but the shape makes it tricky for them to escape.
3. Night Light Show: On a dark night, hang a white sheet outside in a safe spot. Shine a regular flashlight on the sheet to create a bright area. Watch for insects attracted to the light!
   1. Bonus Round: (With adult supervision) Carefully swap the regular flashlight for a black light and see if different insects appear. Black light attracts some insects because they can see a different range of light than we can.

​Remember: Identify insects using apps like iNaturalist or ask your local University Extension for help. Check pitfall and bottle traps daily and release insects carefully. Be mindful of anything that can sting or bite!
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