Gypsy moth caterpillars strip oak trees of their leaves, congregate on home foundations, and deposit large amounts of excrement wherever they go. Many people develop severe allergic reactions to the hairs of gypsy moth caterpillars. The Japanese beetles has spread to all Kentucky counties, but is still at a low density in the Western part of the state. Teaching Each fall about 40 University of Kentucky students with majors ranging from Education to Biology to Agronomy enroll in General Entomology . They learn about the incredible diversity of insects, the role of insects in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and how insects affect our lives.
Students especially enjoy field trips during which they can observe and collect insects.
This course and several other classes offered by the Department afford University of Kentucky students opportunities to learn more about this important group of organisms. Additionally, the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology is committed to increasing the involvement of women and minorities in the discipline . Over the past several years, faculty in the Department have put much effort into summer programs with this aim. Outstanding undergraduate students from around the United States have participated, and each performed an original research project under the direction of an Entomology faculty member during the 8-week program. Teratocytes' means of delaying growth and killing pest caterpillars may serve as a new biocontrol option in the future .