Landmark events in insect-related biology

Globe skimmer (Pantala flavascens) migration

Branches of Entomology Forest entomology Medical entomology Agricultural entomology Forensic entomology

Forest entomology Diversity studies Pest Management

Diversity studies Check lists Systematics Classical taxonomy Molecular taxonomy Diversity indices Functional diversity Indicator species

Pest Management Impact assessments Population dynamics Management Quarantine Chemical Cultural Autocidal Biological Parasites Predators Pathogens Fungi Bacteria Virus

Medical Entomology Deals with insects and arthropods that impact human health Include: Scientific research on the behavior, ecology and epidemiology of arthropod disease vectors Tremendous outreach to the public Local and state official in the interest of public safety

Insects of Medical importance Provide useful medical services or drugs Are useful model systems in genetic studies Directly cause damage to human tissue Act as vectors for disease- causing organisms

Agricultural entomology Agriculture: Cultivation of plants/animals for human use Role of insects in Agriculture Harmful insects Spread diseases and kill the crop Eat plant parts, reduce yield Beneficial insects Eat or parasitize harmful insects Produce markatable products(Honey,Silk..) Mealy bug Silk worm Honey bee

Urban Stored product Medicolegal Pest infestation in buildings, gardens; misuse of pesticides Contamination of commercial products Death Investigations

Role of insects in Forensic Investigations To find PMI (When did death occur?) Movement of corpse (Where did death occur?) Manner and cause of death (How did death occur?) Involvement of drugs or toxins in the crime Association of suspects with the death scene Investigation method Collection of species Analyse age, number and species of insect Develop life cycle model

Typical Faunal Succession Pattern Succession wave Principle insect fauna State of corpse Age of corpse 1 Blow flies Fresh First 3 months 2 Blow flies & Flesh flies Odour 3 Dermestid beetles Fats are rancid 3-6 months 4 Various flies 5 Various flies & beetles Ammonia fermentation 4-8 months 6 Mites 6-12 months 7 Completely dry 1-3 years 8 Beetles 3+years Flesh flies Beetles Mites Blow flies

Why research?