2025-2026 Academic Catalog

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Entomology

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Overview

Entomology is both a basic and an applied science which deals with the study of insects and their effects upon the health, economy, and welfare of humankind.

The department offers graduate programs leading to the MSLFS (thesis or non-thesis) and PhD (see Graduate Catalog). The departmental teaching, research, and extension programs are closely coordinated with those of other departments.

Insects are important as agricultural, health, and aesthetic pests and as beneficial organisms which serve as pollinators, biological control agents for pest populations, and as components of natural ecosystems. While entomologists have only scratched the surface in the study of insects and related arthropods, their research has yielded great benefits to humankind. Examples include reductions in human diseases transmitted by insects and the leadership shown by entomologists in the development of integrated pest management principles and procedures.

Head: T. J. Kring
Professors: S. A. Entrekin, T. J. Kring, T. P. Kuhar, D. M. Miller, D. G. Pfeiffer, A. Rashed, S. M. Salom, and I. V. Sharakhov
Associate Professors: J. A. Auguste, W. Booth, M. J. Couvillon, G. Eastwood, A. D. Gross, P. Marek, K. B. Rice, S. L. Paulson, and M. V. Sharakhova
Assistant Professors: A. Del Pozo-Valdivia, R. Schürch, and C. S. Yang
Collegiate Assistant Professor: J. M. Wilson

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (ENT)

ENT 2004 - Insects and Human Society (3 credits)

Past, present, and future role of insects in human society. Insect biology, diversity, and identification of common insects and other arthropods. Effects of insects on disease transmission, global food security, and human health. Management of pests of plants, animals, insects as food, and its effects on environmental pollution. Critique popular science communication and its effect on public policy. Human perceptions of insect conflicts, benefits of insects, and arthropod conservation across the world.

Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

ENT 2254 - Bees and Beekeeping (2 credits)

An introduction to honey bee biology, the social organization of the honey bee colony and to modern apiculture, including the use of bees for pollination. Topics on beekeeping include equipment, how to get started, and colony management practices. II

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

ENT 2264 - Bees and Beekeeping Laboratory (1 credit)

A laboratory course which examines the principles and practices of modern apiculture as they relate to honey bee biology. An emphasis is placed on students gaining practical field experience in modern management techniques. II

Corequisite(s): ENT 2254

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd)

ENT 2804 - Bees: Biology, Diversity, and Sustainability (3 credits)

Foundational introduction to bees. Behavior, communication, and social organization of honey bees; diversity and use of alternative (non honey bee) pollinators; scientific inquiry in ecosystem services management; and current global challenges to and sustainable solutions for pollination in the modern-day agricultural landscape.

Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

ENT 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

ENT 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

ENT 3014 - Insect Biology (2 credits)

Insect biology provides an introduction to the science of entomology. The course covers the diversity of insects, their biology and behavior, the importance of insects and insect control programs in agriculture, and the effects that insects have had on human history and culture. Laboratory (3024) is optional.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1005 and BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H and BIOL 1206H)

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 3014

ENT 3024 - Insect Biology Laboratory (2 credits)

Taxonomy and ecology of insects commonly encountered. Identification of all orders and many common families. Ecological attributes of each taxon, including food, habitat, life cycle, and behavior. An insect collection is required. I

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1005 and BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H and BIOL 1206H)

Corequisite(s): ENT 3014

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 3024

ENT 3254 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology (3 credits)

An introduction to the roles of insects and other arthropods in the direct causation of disease in humans and animals, and as vectors in the transmission of disease organisms. The epidemiology and replication cycles of vector-borne pathogens with major medical and veterinary importance will be examined. Information will be provided on the biology and behavior of disease vectors and external parasites, and on the annoying and venomous pests of humans and animals. Mechanisms of control will be discussed.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1005 and BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H and BIOL 1206H)

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 3254

ENT 3264 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Laboratory (1 credit)

Taxonomy and anatomy of insects and arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Examination of feeding behavior and ecology. Emphasis on the mechanism of injury or pathogen transmission by each group.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1005 and BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1205H and BIOL 1206H)

Corequisite(s): ENT 3254

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 3264

ENT 4254 - Insect Pest Management (3 credits)

Principles of insect pest management with application to the major insect pests found in Virginia. Pest management involves the utilization of all effective control practices in a program which is ecologically and economically efficient. This course is intended for all students with an interest in efficient agricultural production and in reducing losses to our most diverse competitor. One year of General Biology required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd)

ENT 4264 - Pesticide Usage (3 credits)

An interdisciplinary study of pesticides used in urban and agricultural environments. Topics studied will include: classification, toxicology, formulation, application techniques, safety, legal considerations, environmental impact, and research and development of new pesticides.

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd)

Course Crosslist: PPWS 4264

ENT 4354 - Aquatic Entomology (4 credits)

Biology and taxonomy of insects and other macroinvertebrates most commonly encountered in freshwater environments. Selected aspects of biology, such as habitat, feeding, locomotion, and life history. Identification of individual taxa, mostly at family and genus level. Significance of these organism in aquatic ecology, pollution monitoring, and natural resource management.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1005 and BIOL 1006) and (BIOL 1015 and BIOL 1016) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106 and BIOL 1115 and BIOL 1116)

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 4354

ENT 4484 - Freshwater Biomonitoring (4 credits)

Concepts and practices of using macroinvertebrates and fish to monitor the environmental health of freshwater ecosystems. Effects of different types of pollution and environmental stress on assemblages of organisms and underlying ecological principles. Role of biological studies in environmental regulation. Study design, field and laboratory methods, data analysis and interpretation, verbal and written presentation of results.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 2804) and (BIOL 4004 or BIOL 4354 or ENT 4354 or FIW 4424 or FIW 4614)

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BIOL 4484, FIW 4484

ENT 4624 - Animal and Plant Biosafety and Biosecurity (3 credits)

A One Health approach to the concept of biosafety and biosecurity. Principles, tools and techniques of disease detection, early warning, and containment of animal and plant pathogens. Regulatory agencies and guidelines that work to protect human, animal, plant, and environmental health and prevent economic and public health disasters. Pre: Junior standing.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

ENT 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

ENT 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

ENT 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course