What is a “Good Entomologist?”

Recently there was an article in ESA’s Entomology Today about the habits of a successful entomologist (Ten Habits of Highly Successful Entomologists).  I’ve actually pondered this question before.  It never fails that whenever I’m chatting with colleagues and other bug folk of entomological origin, we start reminiscing on mutual acquaintances.  When this happens there is always someone that is referred to as being a “good entomologist.”  For example, it goes something like “Hey did you hear about Julie? Yeah, she got David’s old job at the State Department of Ag. Yeah, she’s a good entomologist.”  Or maybe “Wow, did you hear about Randy? He got lost doing field work and had to eat his fly bait for a few days. He’s a little crazy, but he’s an awesome entomologist.”  What does that really mean? Why do some people frequently get those props and others not so much?  (full disclosure – I am in the latter category).

Getting back to the Ten Habits article, I have to say I was a little disappointed.  I mean, it was a good story and I agree with all those habits, but they apply to any profession.  If you do those things you’re going to be good at whatever you’ve chosen to do.  Meditation, exercise, relationships, organization, etc., yes, all those things are great, but what specifically makes your peers consider you to be a good entomologist?  Not even necessarily peers, but what prompts the uninitiated layperson to heap entomological praise on someone?

For me, it is simple.  A good entomologist is someone who, when called upon at any time and in any circumstance, can make an insect ID to species from memory.  We all know these people, and usually they have more to share than just the species name. A “good entomologist” can recite the biology of the specimen, and the really great ones will continue to talk for 30 minutes about it.

Mediocre entomologists like me can usually pass for good entomologists with the average person.  You just have to cite the family name or even the order (anything sounding important) and give a few basic facts and you’re usually good.  Before you know it, they’ll give you a moniker like bug man or bug girl. Nothing wrong with this.  I call myself “The Entophile,” LOL. However, it is the walking, talking catalogs of insect knowledge that I label “good entomologists.”  If they are lacking certain social skills they can be a little annoying, but that doesn’t lessen their status when it comes to entomology. Most of the good entomologists I know are older, but there are some young ones too.  I love being around good entomologists because I have great admiration for the incredible amount of information stored in their heads, and I secretly hope their smarts will rub off on me (and I just find them to be cool in an unconventional way).

No doubt there are entomology icons that don’t necessarily fit in this category and that have achieved amazing accomplishments. No disrespect to them.  I simply think a good entomologist is someone who can whip out an impromptu ID of an obscure insect and instantly recall its natural history like its no big deal. Way to go Bug Girl!