Profession Of Entomology Research Articles

Roger Ward Crosskey-The Life and Contributions of an Entomologist par Excellence (1930-2017).

The life of Roger Ward Crosskey stands as a paragon of scholarly dedication to the profession of entomology. His early interests in natural history prepared him for a diverse entomological career of about 65 years. He began as a medical entomologist working on the onchocerciasis problem with the Colonial Service in Northern Nigeria, and officially transitioned to dipterology, first studying the Tachinidae as a taxonomist with the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, and later the Simuliidae as a Senior Principal Scientific Officer (Merit) with The Natural History Museum in London. His contributions to the fight against onchocerciasis (river blindness) and to the study of Diptera, particularly the Simuliidae, are an enduring legacy. An indexed chronological listing of his 247 publications is provided, in addition to lists of the taxa that he named and the taxa named in his honor.

Eradicating the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A Clash Between a Highly Successful Insect, Good Scientific Achievement, and Differing Agricultural Philosophies

The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, probably arrived in the United States near Brownsville, Tex., about 1892. In the next 30 years, this pest thundered across the U.S. Cotton Belt, leaving in its path destruction and devastation, causing shifts in agricultural production and social structure of the real South, and in reality shaping the early development of the profession of entomology in the southern states. Through the efforts of hundreds of dedicated people, the total elimination of this costly pest from within the United States borders is on the near horizon. It has not been an easy battle over the past 40 years, primarily because of the biological capabilities of the boll weevil itself, but also because of politics, misunderstandings, and often misguided efforts of scientists, environmentalists, and the public. This report chronicles the adventure from 1892 to the present and provides insight into the capabilities of the insect, remarkable scientific accomplishments, and political challenges.

Sketches of U.S. Systematic Entomology, Circa 1850–2000: Return of a Golden Age?

In a review of major features of the history of U.S. systematic entomology, three phases are postulated that correlate with broader trends in biology. In an initial ‘Golden Age’ during the late 19th century, systematics was the central focus of the new profession of entomology, which exemplified the Land-Grant ideal of leadership in basic science coupled with essential support to agriculture. Paradise was lost in a subsequent ‘dark age’ of eclipse for systematics generally, accentuated in entomology by a turn-of-the-century schism between applied and basic research, later exacerbated by the advent of synthetic organic pesticides. The past two decades, however, have seen a revival of systematics, with prominent contribution from entomologists, driven by advances in systematic theory, computing power, and new data from molecular techniques. Additional impetus comes from the rising biodiversity crisis and, in entomology, rediscovery of insect ecology and taxonomy as essential underpinnings for environmentally sound pest management. Entomology has provided a refuge for systematics in a period of hostility to systematics and organismal biology more broadly, whereas a revitalized systematics is now a key link in the argument for preservation of entomology as a discipline.

Insects as teaching tools in primary and secondary education.

Insects offer a vast array of teaching opportunities for precollege students. Here we address the basics teachers need in order to use insects successfully in their curricula. We identify exemplary resources in the printed North American literature and point out potentially productive places for teachers and students to search for ideas and materials. We review the roles of entomology in the educational framework, highlight favorite classroom arthropods and less well-known examples, and guide readers to entomological resources. Tips to help teachers identify, rear, and maintain classroom insects and find equipment and supplies are included. The review concludes with a plea for greater classroom and curricular involvement by those in the entomological profession.

Postscript

One frequently hears it said that “today is the first day of the rest of your life,” a thought for the future that should encourage us all to put forth our maximum effort at all times. So it is with entomologists and the Entomological Society of America. When this is published, the ESA centennial year will be drawing to a close. A new century for the science and profession of entomology will begin. Old problems will continue and new ones will be waiting at the threshold. As a society for all entomologists, can we accept the maxim that problems are actually opportunities and go forward to greet them with optimism and enthusiasm?

The boll weevil in North America: Scientific conflicts over management of environmental resources

This paper is a historical and philosphical reconstruction of how U.S. entomologists attempted to mitigate the depradations of the boll weevil on cotton, the world's most important natural fiber. The boll weevil caused severe losses in the U.S. after 1892. Early control methods were based on altering the cultural practices of cotton growers. The discovery in 1917 that calcium arsenate was an effective insecticide for boll weevils eventually allowed some farmers to rely on chemical control. Development of synthetic, organic insecticides allowed many U.S. growers after 1945 to rely heavily on insecticides for boll weevils. By the 1960s, resistance of boll weevils to insecticides, induction of secondary pest outbreaks, and environmental health hazards threatened cotton production practices based on insecticides. U.S. entomologists devised two new strategies to rescue cotton production from its insecticide crisis: integrated pest management (IPM) and total population management (TPM). Eradication of key insect pests such as boll weevils was envisaged by TPM entomologists with adequate technology. E.F. Knipling, the USDA entomologist who designed TPM, gave 1968 as a target for possible boll weevil eradication. The pilot boll weevil eradication experiment (PBWEE) was conducted in 1971–1973. IPM entomologists argued the futility of attempting to eradicate the boll weevil from the U.S.A., but TPM adherents argued for a second test, which was held in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina (1978–1980). A new controversy erupted over how to interpret the fact that a few boll weevils were found at the end of the second test. IPM and TPM entomologists were once again pitted against one another on three major issues: defining eradication; explaining secondary pest behavior; and drawing conclusions about the wisdom of a national boll weevil eradication program. Currently, entomologists have reached a stalemate over boll weevil eradication in the U.S. Some entomologists are attempting to synthesize opposing views in the hope of reaching a professional consensus on appropriate boll weevil suppression methods. Significant distinctions separate IPM and TPM and will make it difficult to achieve an agreement. Budgetary problems in the U.S.A. argue for a management rather than eradication stance against boll weevils. The split in the U.S. entomological profession could have adverse effects on efforts to develop insect-control science outside of the U.S.

Boll Weevil Eradication

Some representatives of the cotton industry and of the entomological profession advocate efforts to eradicate the boll weevil. This coalition originated in 1958 from a complex of socioeconomic changes in cotton production and scientific developments in entomology. The results of a pilot eradication experiment (1971 to 1973) were controversial, and the debate was inhibited by social pressures upon the entomological profession. Substantial conceptual difficulties also attend evaluations of eradication experiments. A new trial eradication program is under way. If its evaluation is not to be warped by problems similar to the earlier ones, both the social and scientific aspects of eradication must be recognized and steps must be taken to ensure a full and open debate.

Women in Entomology

Women currently make up about 40% of the American work force. By contrast, women are only a tiny minority in the entomological profession as indicated by the membership rosters of ARPE and ESA, attendance at national and regional entomological meetings, authorship of scientific papers dealing with entomological subjects, and representation on the faculties as well as student bodies of entomology departments at academic institutions. The AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) last fall sponsored a 4-day conference on the participation of women in scientific research in Washington, D.C. One of the findings at this conference was that statistical data on women in science are largely inadequate or non-existent. It was also reported that the salary gap between men and women Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers was 17% in 1973, increasing to 19% in 1975. A staff member of Senator Kennedy's Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research attending the conference concluded that the world at large is unaware of this problem, and that the scientific establishment mostly does not care.

Graduate Study -- The Time of Your Life

The growth of the Entomological Society of America is dependent, for the most part, on its student membership. It is during these student years that one becomes familar with the Society and the opportunity to attend and present papers at branch and annual meetings, and publish in the Society's journals. It is also a time of familarization with the profession of entomology. Dr. Edward H. Smith, Chairman, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY has been an ardent supporter of the Society and especially interested in promoting the science of entomology and the profession to young people. I am pleased to introduce this presentation made by Dr. Smith to new students of the department. I hope Dr. Smith's talk will be of interest and value to other students of entomology as well as those individuals already engaged in the profession.

Boll Weevil Eradication

Some representatives of the cotton industry and of the entomological profession advocate efforts to eradicate the boll weevil. This coalition originated in 1958 from a complex of socioeconomic changes in cotton production and scientific developments in entomology. The results of a pilot eradication experiment (1971 to 1973) were controversial, and the debate was inhibited by social pressures upon the entomological profession. Substantial conceptual difficulties also attend evaluations of eradication experiments. A new trial eradication program is under way. If its evaluation is not to be warped by problems similar to the earlier ones, both the social and scientific aspects of eradication must be recognized and steps must be taken to ensure a full and open debate.

Good News and Bad News - A Message from the President

Like the man said, I have some good news – and I have some bad news. The good news is about the present status of our society, its management and sound financial situation. The bad news is about the problems facing our profession of entomology in the year ahead, such as finding substitutes for persistent pesticides and the scarcity of positions for entomologists.

Youth Programs of the ESA: How Many Entomologists are Needed--Now and by 1975?

The profession of entomology began in the United States in 1854. Recognition of the need for insect control led, in that year, to the appointment of two entomologists to government positions. One of them, Townend Glover, worked for the Federal Government and was assigned to the patent office. The other, Asa Fitch, worked for New York State.

Entomology in the Pacific Branch--Plus and Minus Fifty Years: The Next Fifty Years

To successfully look ahead to 2016, even if we restrict our inquiry to the profession of entomology, requires an abundance of common sense, a fund of information about our science, and especially a willingness to venture “where angels fear to tread.” Not pretending to have this combination of talents, I nevertheless have accepted the assignment with the expectation that you will smile at my jokes, take need of my admonitions, and perhaps find some basis for courses of action to be taken in the near future.

Why we Need a Professional Division

Let's face it. Entomologists are not regarded by the general public as professionals. We think that we are, but we are in the minority. How can we be regarded as professionals if people don't even know we exist? A 1962 telephone survey by the ESA Committee on Public Information uncovered the sad state of our public image. Not one out of 1070 persons called, said they would go to an entomologist for insect control information. Our profession affects the lives of every human being, yet relatively few even know how to spell e-n-t-o-m-o-l-o-g-y . Perhaps it is asking too much of the public and our scientific colleagues to accept entomology as a profession of prestige and status when we haven't taken the time to establish a definition of just what we arc. The profession of entomology, without a focal point of effort, faces a most difficult task of increasing its status when the public does not even include the word entomology in its vocabulary.

Professional Training, Standards, and Status for Entomologists

Profeisional status for the science of entomology and entomologists is becoming an important issue. In this fast-moving period of technical advance in biology and related sciences emphatic consideration of this issue should be a challenge to individual entomologists and to the Entomological Society of America. Off hand it would appear that the profession of entomology should not be difficult to define. However, a wide divergence in definitions exists. Perhaps it will be worthwhile to start with quoting a dictionary treatment of the word “profession.“

Citation of Merit Eastern Branch, ESA

At the last annual meeting of the Eastern Branch, ESA, a recomendation was approved that a citation in the form of a suitably engraved plaque or certificate be presented annually. when merited, at the Branch meeting to an individual or team of individuals based on the following criteria: <list list-type="order"> <list-item> Contribution of broad significance to the science of entomology.</list-item> <list-item> Outstanding service rendered to the Branch and/or outstanding service to the profession of entomology in the fields of teaching, industry, research, administration, extension, pest control, quarantine, public relations, or other pertinent fields.</list-item> </list>

Entomological Contributions to Human Welfare: Through Extension

I would like to begin this paper by congratulating the Program Committee for selecting such a timely and informative theme for the 1960 Entomological Society Annual Meeting. The science of entomology and the entomological profession have contributed much to the welfare of mankind, not only in the United States but also throughout the world. It is proper that the many ways in which entomology has benefited the people of our nation should be set forth and called to the attention of the general public through the occasion of this Conference.

The Impact of the Development of Organophosphorus Insecticides upon Basic and Applied Science

Few scientific discoveries have had as far reaching and dramatic consequences to our profession of entomology as the discovery of the biological activity of the pentavalent phosphorus atom, properly surrounded by lipophilic groups and possessing the requisite chemical instability. The story of this achievement began over a quarter century ago and, like the famous 1001 Nights Entertainment of Queen Scheherazade, is still growing vigorously despite daily recitals. In our story there are chapters of direct interest to nearly every entomological specialist from the insect physiologist and ecologist to the insecticide chemist and economic entomologist. I have chosen to summarize it on this occasion not only because of my comparative familiarity with a field which has been the subject of personal research interest over the past dozen years, but also because it demonstrates most admirably the impact of the science of entomology upon research and discovery in other scientific fields, upon commercial enterprise and even upon human conflict.

The International Congresses of Entomology

The International Congresses of Entomology appear to have arisen in the first instance as a development of the International Congresses of Zoology of which the first was created in 1889 by the Zoological Society of France. The first Entomological Congress however, came to be through the personal initiative of Dr. Karl Jordan. Dr. Jordan felt that although entomology has a place in Zoological Congresses this was not commensurate with its importance. He considered that entomology was suffering from the absence of a representative organization where entomologists could meet and discuss their common problems. He noted that many important entomological works, large collections and even the name of distinguished specialists remained quite unknown to non-entomological zoologists. He observed that here and there ill feeling had developed among members of the entomological profession to the great damage of biological science. He found that although entomologists were very numerous and had produced a tremendous mass of work a good deal of this had little scientific value. Finally he complained that in Europe, at least, few of the scientific entomologists were at all interested in the insects of importance to agriculture and to health. Some of the colleagues he consulted doubted that an Entomological Congress could be organized but all agreed that it would undoubtedly be beneficial to entomology.

The Teaching of Entomology

An account is presented of a course in introductory entomology given with the viewpoints of providing thorough training in the true fundamentals of entomology, creating an intelligent public interest in the work and needs of present day entomology and attracting desirable students to enter the profession of entomology.