Why study entomology?
Insects outnumber all other life forms combined. See how it's important.
We discover, teach and share science-based solutions about insects to support agriculture, ecosystems and human health in Ohio and beyond.
The Department of Entomology develops and implements research, teaching and outreach programs focused on the role and significance of insects in managed and natural ecosystems, including their negative impacts as pests that destroy crops and transmit diseases to humans and animals, and positive impacts as providers of ecosystem services.
- 14 research labs spanning two campuses
- 2-1 ratio of students to faculty & support staff as a small department
- 1 of 15 programs offering an undergraduate entomology degree in the US
What makes Ohio State Entomology unique?
- The only university department in Ohio focused on the study of insects, offering both an undergraduate and graduate major and a minor.
- A global leader in advancing the study of arthropods to improve human and animal health, agricultural sustainability and environmental quality.
- Working collaboratively to cultivate solutions to complex biological and environmental challenges while preparing the next generation of scientific leaders.
- Committed to serving Ohio and the world by fostering evidence-based stewardship that benefits individuals, communities and our environment.
Our people
Our research
Our resources
Entomology department office
Entomology@osu.edu | 614-688-0218
Insect ID and pest questions
Ohio State resources
- The Ohio State Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnostic ID services for a fee. Instructions on how to submit a physical or digital insect ID request are available on the website. Do not send physical insect samples directly to the Entomology Department. The clinic does not accept samples that originate from a person or animal's body.
- Buckeye Tick Test is an Ohio State resource for identification of ticks that impact public health. Tick testing panels are specific to the germs transmitted by different species of ticks and include all the most common tick-borne diseases of humans and animals, like Lyme disease, for $49.99 PER TICK.
Free digital insect ID
Online community science resources are listed below. Your images will be identified and may be used in projects tracking invasive species, insect biodiversity and other scientific endeavors.
- iNaturalist Insect, spider or other organism
- Seek by iNaturalist Animal, plants
- BugFinder Insects, spiders, related organisms
- BugGuide Insect, spider, related organisms
- Entomology Today from the Entomological Society of America lists other resources for insect ID
Local Ohio State Extension offices have Agriculture and Natural Resource Educators able to answer farm, garden, home and business questions.
As a public institution, we can not promote a single company. A reputable company can be found by referring to the Ohio Pest Management Association membership directory. OPMA has a code of conduct for members and is generally comprised of responsible pest management specialists.
Report endangered species to the Ohio Fish and Wildlife Services Conservation Office.
- Include digital images in emails to ohio@fws.gov
Phone: 614-416-8993
Address: 359 Main Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Internal department resources for current students and employees
Entomology faculty, staff and students can access the intranet for department-specific guidance and quick links to resources for travel, purchasing, HR, and student-focused information related to academic programs, forms, departmental awards, as well as recordings of recent seminars.
Entomology Intranet