What is entomology?

Entomology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects and other arthropods. In the Tri-River Area, our extension entomology program runs research and extension programming focused on addressing insect and pest management issues in the areas of row-crop agriculture, horticulture and specialty crops, urban/residential spaces, and forestry/natural resources. Our extension entomology program is also home to the Western Colorado Insect collection. Our entomologist assists TRA offices with insect and plant damage diagnostics.

Contact the Extension Area Specialist

Melissa Schreiner, Entomologist

Email: melissa.schreiner@mesacounty.us

Phone: 970-244-1838

Meet the Entomology Team

Melissa Schreiner

Melissa Schreiner (Mel) works as a state entomologist for Colorado State University Extension, focusing in the Tri-River Area of Colorado. She has obtained advanced skills in vegetable production, horticultural entomology, insect and spider identification, and scientific illustration. Her extension and research program helps to solve agricultural, urban, public health, and natural resource issues relating to pest management and entomology in western Colorado. Mel’s extension entomology program manages several diverse programs that support community members, master gardeners, producers, extension area specialists, pest management professionals, with the provision of insect/plant damage diagnostics and insect education. She also completed over 60 site visits to address insect issues on farms across the Tri-River Area in 2022.  Please reach out to Melissa.Schreiner@colostate.edu if you have questions concerning arthropods in the TRA or on the western slope of Colorado. Mel’s direct line at the Mesa County office is 970-244-1838

Melissa Franklin

Melissa Franklin, Research Associate III, has been helping to solve Ag and insect issues with the TRA entomology team for over two decades! She conducts several annual surveys which monitor for exotic insects and diseases in stone fruit, grapes, and sweet corn. This year, Melissa Franklin had a tremendous number of over 500 insect monitoring traps out protecting various crops across the Tri-River Area!

Japanese Beetle Information

Western Colorado Pest Management Workshop 2023

Click Here for event details

Vegetable Pests, Predators, and Pollinators

Western Colorado Insect Website

Click here to be taken to the CSU Extension Western Colorado Entomology web site where we provide trusted, practical education to help you solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. This site was created and maintained by Tri River Area Extension Entomology, and is dedicated to presenting factual information on the insects and insect related issues affecting western Colorado.