The book is in accordance with the recommendations of the ICAR Sixth Deans' Committee and NEP-2020, Fundamentals of Entomology provides a comprehensive, student-friendly, and outcome-based introduction to the science of insects and their significance in agriculture and natural ecosystems. The book is designed to equip undergraduate students with a strong foundation in insect morphology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, classification, and the role of insects in agricultural production systems.

Beginning with the history, scope, and economic importance of entomology, the text systematically covers insect diversity and dominance, external morphology including the cuticle, head, thorax, abdomen, antennae, mouthparts, legs, wings and wing coupling mechanisms, and the anatomy and physiology of major organ systems. The book further explains insect growth and development, metamorphosis, diapause, ecological interactions, pest categories, and the principles of insect systematics and classification.

Special emphasis has been placed on the identification and distinguishing characteristics of agriculturally important insect orders and families, including Orthoptera, Dictyoptera, Isoptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. The subject matter is presented through illustrations, labelled diagrams, comparative tables, and practical examples to promote conceptual clarity, observational skills, and competency development.

Salient Features

• Fully aligned with the ICAR Sixth Deans' Committee syllabus and course outcomes.
• Outcome-based and competency-driven approach in accordance with NEP-2020.
• Comprehensive coverage of insect morphology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and classification.
• Detailed treatment of agriculturally important insect orders and families with diagnostic features and examples.
• Richly illustrated with labelled diagrams, flowcharts, and comparative tables for effective learning.
• Includes chapter-end review questions, objective questions, and self-assessment exercises.
• Emphasizes practical identification skills, analytical thinking, and experiential learning.
• Useful for classroom teaching, practical training, competitive examinations, and professional reference.

This textbook is primarily intended for undergraduate students of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and allied agricultural sciences, and will also serve as a valuable reference for postgraduate students, teachers, researchers, extension professionals, and aspirants seeking a sound understanding of the fundamentals of entomology.

Dr. Akhilesh Kumar did his B. Sc. (Ag.) from ANDUAT, Ayodhaya, UP during 1989, M. Sc. (Ag.) in Entomology from CSAUAT, Kanpur during 1993 and Doctorate in Entomology & Agril. Zoology from Institute of Agriculture Sciences, BHU, Varanasi UP, India during 2000, and joined as RA at ICAR-IISR, Lucknow and after that he joined as TA at ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi in 1996 and served IIVR, Varanasi for sixteen years in various capacities up to Technical Officer, 2011. Dr. Kumar joined as Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection) JNKVV-KVK, Shahdol, MP in 2011. Presently, Dr. Kumar is working as a Scientist (Plant Protection) at JNKVV-KVK and Head of Section, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rewa, MP. Dr. Kumar has about thirty years’ experience in research and teaching experience and developed different kinds of IPM modules in Vegetables, Pulses, Oilseed and Cereals crop. Presently, he is engaged with the teaching, research and extension at KVK, CoA, Rewa, MP. Dr. Kumar has eleven years’ experience of teaching UG and PG students, and has guided eleven M Sc (Entomology) students. He has published two books, sixteen book chapters, two practical manual, more than 160 research paper, 280 popular articles and 195 abstracts, 18 technical bulletins, 26 scientific extension folders. He has also involved in AICRIP on Rice, AICRIP on Fruits and product testing externally funded projects. He has developed one guava variety “Dhareedar” as a team member and also has registered one patent. He has joined as life membership of 16 scientific societies of India. He is member of editorial board of Krishi Vigyan, Multilogic in Science and Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika journals and refereed research paper of different journals. He has also received fellowship, medal and best scientist worker awards, radio & TV talks for technology dissemination among the farmers and researchers

1 Introduction of Entomology

2 History of Entomology in India

3 Major Points Related to Dominance of Insects in Animal Kingdom

4 Classification of Phylum Arthropoda Up to Classes, Relationship of Class Insects With Other Classes of Arthropoda

5 Morphology : Strucuture and Functions of Insect Cuticle and Molting, Body Segementation , Strucure of Head, Thorax, and Abdomen

6 Structure and Modification of Insect Antennae , Mouth Parts, Legs, Wing, Venation, Modifications and Wing Coupling Apparatus

7 Structure and Modification of Insect Antennae , Mouth Parts, Legs, Wing, Venation, Modifications and Wing Coupling Apparatus

8 Anatomy of Insects

9 Metamorphosis and Diapause in Insects, Types of Larvae and Pupae

10 Functions of Digestive,Excretory,Circulatory in Insect

11 Structure and Functions of Respiratory, Nervous,Secretary (Endocrine) and Reproductive System, in Insects.

12 Types of Reproduction in Insects. Major Sensory Organs.

13 Insect Ecology: Introduction, Environment and its Components. Effect of Abioticfactors and Biotic Factors.

14 Categories of Pests.

15 Systematics Taxonomy - Importance, History, Development and Binomial Nomenclature

16 Definitions of Biotype, Sub-Species, Species, Genus, Family and Order.

17 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders, Basic Groups of Present Day Insects-With Special Emphasis To Orders and Families of Agricultural Importance

18 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tettigoniidae, Gryllidae, Gryllotalpidae

19 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Dictyoptera: Mantidae, Blattidae; Odonata

20 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Isoptera: Termitidae; Thysanoptera: Thripidae

21 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Hemiptera: Pentatomidae, Coreidae, Cimicidae, Pyrrhocoridae, Lygaeidae, Cicadellidae, Delphacidae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Lophophidae, Aleurodidae,Pseudococcidae;

22 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Neuroptera: Chrysopidae

23 Classification of Class Insecta Up to Orders and Families of Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Papiloinidae, Noctuidae, Sphingidae, Pyralidae, Gelechiidae, Arctiidae, Saturnidae, Bombycidae

24 Classification of Class Insecta Up to orders and Families of Coleoptera Coccinellidae, Chrysomelidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae

25 Classification of Class Insecta up to Orders and Families of Hymenoptera Tenthridinidae, Apidae. Trichogrammatidae, Lchneumonidae