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Entomology conducts research, research training and graduate education on the world's insects — their global diversity, evolution, geography, genomic, morphology, conservation, ecology and behavior. These studies are grounded in research collections of almost 5 million specimens and their associated data. Major research areas in Entomology are water beetles and bees.

Beetle macro photo

Collections

The Entomology collections at the KU Biodiversity Institute are estimated to contain over 4.9 million pinned and labeled specimens plus approximately 87,000 specimens mounted on slides and nearly 40,000 vials containing varying numbers of specimens.
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Caroline Chaboo Interview in Nambibia

Research Project:

The leaf beetle family  Chrysomelidae is one of the largest animal families known, with more than 40,000 described species.  Entomologist Caroline Chaboo conducts fundamental systematic research with a variety of data - morphology, molecules, behavior - to understand their evolutionary relationships. From maternal care of eggs to recycling fecal material to unique relationships with host plants, this beetle family (leaf beetles) has provided a rich source of evolutionary research.
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Entomology Researchers photo

People

Find staff and students in the Entomology Division.
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Phytotelmata insects photo

Entomology Research

Current research focuses on phylogenetic systematics and evolution among insects. Areas of study include fossil insects by Michael Engel, aquatic insects by Andrew Short and the study of Chrysomelidae (leaf beatles) by Caroline Chaboo.
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News

The University of Kansas mourns the passing of Distinguished Professor & Senior Curator Emeritus Charles D. Michener, aged 97. Mich was born 22 September 1918 in Pasadena, California and into a family of avid naturalists.
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