In 1974, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Entomology from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.
He has since described more than 500 new species of insects and authored more than 350 scientific publications,[3] specializing in the families Bombyliidae and Mythicomyiidae.
[4] In the entomological community, Evenhuis is also known for his sense of humor, and binomial names coined by him have attracted attention.
[5] In 2002, he named a genus of extinct mythicomyiids Carmenelectra in honour of the model Carmen Electra's "splendid" body.
[7][8] On 12 May 1980, he set a record for gridiron mini field goal distance in flying disc games, which he held for 20 years.