Deep-dive

Entomology feels ancient because people have always noticed insects, but the science itself took shape slowly. From Aristotle and Aldrovandi to Swammerdam, Merian, Linnaeus, Riley, and modern IPM, the history of entomology is really the story of how insects kept forcing biology to get more precise.

Learn the real difference between bugs and insects, including what makes a “true bug” unique and why not all insects qualify as bugs.

Discover how many insect species exist on Earth—scientists estimate around 5.5 million, but only 1 million have been described. Explore what this means for biodiversity, why most species remain undiscovered, and why insect diversity matters for ecosystems and agriculture.

Explore the paradox of entomologists killing insects for science. Learn why insect collections are crucial, how they compare to other forms of insect mortality, and their role in tracking biodiversity. Understand the necessity of specimen collection in advancing entomology.

Why are we afraid of spiders? Is it innate or learned? Discover how cultural differences, misconceptions, and social factors shape our perception of these misunderstood creatures. Learn why spiders are less dangerous than you think and challenge your own fear of spiders.

Do mosquitoes have any redeeming qualities? What stops us from completely eradicating them from off the face of the earth? What good are mosquitoes?