Leonard Haseman

Leonard Haseman (March 26, 1884 – March 29, 1969) was an American entomologist and science writer whose books brought insect life down to earth for general readers. He studied zoology at Indiana University, earning a B.A. in 1905 and an M.A. in 1907, then completed a Ph.D. at Cornell University in 1910.

He spent much of his career at the University of Missouri, where archives describe him as a professor of entomology and later professor emeritus. In addition to teaching and research, he wrote practical publications on subjects such as garden insects, mosquitoes, termites, and household pests, along with An Elementary Study of Insects, a book aimed at younger learners.

University of Missouri history notes that Haseman was also involved in work that helped protect honeybee colonies from disease, an advance with major value for beekeeping. His legacy is that of a scientist who wrote clearly and usefully, making entomology feel relevant to daily life rather than distant or purely academic.