Barbie and insects: Entomology with a twist
Have you ever seen a Barbie doll interacting with an insect? You can on Entobarbie’s social media account, which is dedicated to showing girls that they can become great entomologists, too!
Entobarbie searching for insects in the field. The plastic tubearound her neck is a tool commonly used to capture insects. Image: © Entobarbie
How did this idea emerge?
Entobarbie is the pseudonym of an entomologist who specializes in pest management strategies. The idea for the Entobarbie social media account came up in 2019, when she ordered an entomologist-themed Barbie doll to celebrate her fascination with insects. The doll came with miniature tools – a sweep net, a toy camera, and a container for collecting insects – which delighted her, though at first, she wasn’t sure how to put the doll to use.
As a hobby photographer with a passion for macro insect photography in nature, she eventually had an idea: why not include the entomologist Barbie doll in her shots? She shared some of these photos with friends and family, who loved the concept. Encouraged by their positive feedback, she decided to create an entire account dedicated to Barbie’s insect explorations, adding a playful twist to her love for entomology – Entobarbie was born.
A Great Green Bush Cricket, Tettigonia viridissima, posing on a Barbie doll with pink hair. Image: © Entobarbie
She then began considering what other tools an entomologist would need in the field. The doll’s original pink jacket, for instance, wasn’t exactly standard wear among scientists. This Barbie needed a bit more scientific authenticity! Realizing that a lab setup was essential for examining specimens in detail, Entobarbie got creative. She started designing custom lab equipment for the dolls, sewing tiny t-shirts with insect prints, and collecting every miniature item necessary for insect collection and study.
Today, her collection includes over 10 Barbie dolls to celebrate inclusion and an impressive array of tiny tools, from spreading boards to specimen jars, filling her workspace at home. Entobarbie didn’t stop there; she even ordered tattoos for her dolls, which will soon adorn their arms, bringing her unique scientific vision to life in miniature!
Two Barbies pinning insects on a custom-made spreading box, a tool commonly used by entomologists. Image © Entobarbie
Where can you find Entobarbie?
Social media isn’t just for sharing vacation photos and celebrations – it’s also a powerful tool for science communication. Platforms like X and Instagram have become invaluable for scientists to showcase their research and connect with peers.
Entobarbie uses Instagram and X to share captivating macro photos of insects, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and, of course, a Barbie doll in an entomologist’s role. According to her, X attracts a community of entomologists and researchers, while Instagram generates engagement from a broader audience. She is pleased with the reach of both accounts and is now exploring TikTok to engage an even younger audience in the future.
Check out one of Entobarbie's video went viral on X: Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) moving backwards.
Breaking stereotypes
When studying entomology, Entobarbie only knew a few women in top roles. One of her role models was Maria Sibylla Merian, whose detailed drawings of insect metamorphosis fascinated her. In the 17th century, Merian combined art and science to reveal the life cycles of butterflies, moths, and other insects, challenging the misconceptions of her time. Inspired by Merian, Entobarbie saw the power of visual storytelling in science, recognizing that art could make science more accessible and relatable.
The gender imbalance in entomology motivated her to inspire more girls to study insects. She believes that if introduced without fear or prejudice, boys and girls show equal interest in the world of six-legged creatures. “It’s essential to highlight that women can be just as active in entomology as men,” she emphasizes.
Searching for pests on broccoli samples
Two Barbies bought broccoli at the market and brought it to the laboratory. Image: © Entobarbie
A Barbie doll investigating a small piece of broccoli under the microscope. Image: © Entobarbie
There are some unwanted guests feeding on the broccoli! Most probably the cabbage moth, Plutella xylostella. Image: © Entobarbie
After careful investigation, the Barbies note their findings. Image: © Entobarbie
How does Entobarbie find all these insects?
Entobarbie is an active entomologist spending a lot of time in nature (like many Swiss people!). With an eye tuned to insects, she finds plenty of them on her hikes, and carrying a couple of Barbies in her backpack ensures that she can take photos on the spot. If she finds a larva, she may bring it back to the Barbie lab to observe the developmental stages. “It is so much fun to see what the insect will turn into after metamorphosis. Will it be what we expect or a parasitoid?!” she adds.
Entobarbie captures the entire scene in detail. For example, this photo shows not only the entomologist and the gerrid species but also the natural environment. Image: © Entobarbie. Behind the scenes, Entobarbie confessed to us that right after capturing this magical moment, she spoiled the idyllic atmosphere of the scene by – involuntarily – falling into the pond herself. Luckily, her mantis-like reflexes ensured that her camera did not suffer the same fate as she instinctively raised her arms to keep it dry.
Being on social media for so long brought Entobarbie recognition. Nowadays, her close followers send her specimens to see them photographed alongside Barbie. Moreover, she is also rearing some insect species at home and on her balcony to ensure a constant stream of interesting photographic motifs.
Did you know?
In the 1950s Cold War era, the East German government accused the Americans of releasing Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) from planes to sabotage East Germany’s potato crops, even supporting this claim with striking propaganda. However, the beetle population boom likely resulted from a reduction in pesticide use and the lack of farmers working the fields at the time.
A punk Barbie doll is looking at a propaganda poster. Image: © Entobarbie
Entobarbie stands out as a unique account, blending the contrasting worlds of Barbie dolls and insects to reshape our perspective on entomology. This unexpected combination offers a fresh, engaging viewpoint, as Entobarbie shares the fascinating world of insects through creative photography, hand-sewn Barbie outfits, and her boundless enthusiasm for science. With her creativity, educational focus, and community spirit, Entobarbie is inspiring a new generation of insect enthusiasts.
The authors
