Shasta Henry

I am an entomologist – I study insects. Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet! Therefore they live in almost every environment and are involved in almost every ecosystem; and I find that diversity fascinating.

Because there are so many insects there are many ways to study them. I have worked on cotton farms, collecting caterpillar eggs and testing how pesticides work. I have worked on a team discovering new species of beetles from the Amazonian Rainforest. Insects are used in forensics to help solve crimes, to inspire drones and technology, to help fight invasive species and to produce more food for us.

At the University of Tasmania I study how our native insects are being impacted by climate change. When a fire burns the Wilderness World Heritage Area, which insects survive and which ones disappear – and how long for?
I also love insects because they are beautiful, with their shiny shells and bright patterns, or when they are ugly, spiny and gross. I love them because they are tiny but complete, working organisms – it’s like holding a galaxy the size of a marble in your hand.
“All children have a bug phase; I never grew out of mine.” E.O.Wilson.