Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESA?

Founded over 110 years ago, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to serving the scientific and professional needs of entomologists and those in related disciplines.  ESA is a not-for-profit scientific society governed by members elected to represent scientific Sections and regional Branches.

What does ESA do?

• Advances and promotes the science and practice of entomology,
• Disseminates entomological information to an active and diverse national and international membership,
• Transfers entomological knowledge to ESA members and others,
• Increases public awareness of entomology and the use of arthropods to demonstrate scientific principles,
• Provides a forum for discussion and research of specific insects as well as more general subjects,
• Advocates the use of entomological knowledge to maintain arthropod biodiversity and ecosystem health, to promote sustainable food and fiber systems, and reduce world health problems due to insect-borne pathogens,
• Acts as an important source of unbiased scientific information for public policy makers,
• Fosters productive relationships within ESA and with other organizations, and
• Encourages high ethical standards within the entomological community.

Who are the members of ESA?

ESA has more than 5,800 members who are affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, students, and hobbyists.

Do you have to be an entomologist to join ESA?

No. Not all of our members are entomologists, but for most, insects or related arthropods play an important role in their work or interests. Many members may consider themselves to be biologists, ecologists, agronomists, botanists, molecular biochemists, farmers, biometeorologists, zoologists, or pest control operators.

What comes with my ESA membership?

Joining ESA is a lot like a buffet. There are a lot of options on the table, but it is up to you to determine what interests you. We offer a litany of benefits that are automatic with your membership. Some of these are tangible benefits (such as free subscriptions to our online publications) and some are intangible (such as career advancement opportunities). Please click through to see a full list of ESA benefits.

Why do memberships run on the calendar year?

ESA memberships start when a person joins or renews for any given year and expire each year on the 31st of December. The reason for this structure is to keep dues prices low. "Rolling renewals" or a 365-day membership period are more labor intensive from a staffing perspective and would require a doubling of our headquarters staff. Those costs would need to be passed on to the membership and would result in far higher dues. Further, since so many of the membership benefits are offered on an annual calendar, we need to make sure that our fiscal calendar follows suit. Membership should note that the membership discount for attending the Annual Meeting (which is generally held in the 4th quarter of each year) more than covers the price of your dues for that year.