C. L. Marlatt

Charles Lester Marlatt (September 26, 1863 – March 3, 1954) was an American entomologist whose books and bulletins helped make insect science accessible to a wide audience. He studied at Kansas State Agricultural College and later built a long career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he became an important figure in economic entomology.

Marlatt wrote on subjects that mixed close observation with practical advice, including periodical cicadas, bedbugs, cockroaches, and other insects that affected farms, homes, and public life. His writing is often direct and useful, reflecting work grounded in research, pest control, and the everyday problems insects caused.

Beyond his books, he is remembered for broader contributions to American agriculture and insect study, including work connected with biological control and plant quarantine. For listeners coming to his work today, he offers a window into an era when science writing was closely tied to public service and real-world problem solving.