A new study reveals that sundew plants use catapulting snap tentacles to propel prey into their leaf trap, enhancing digestion and capture efficiency. This unique mechanism increases the plant's ability to capture larger insects and improves overall carnivory capabilities.
Researchers have created 3D digital reconstructions of two 305-million-year-old juvenile insects using high-resolution CT scanning. The fossils provide valuable information about the biology and diet of these ancient insects, including one with sharp spines that may not exist today.
A new study reveals that migratory insects, such as the Silver Y moth, can survive and thrive in Northern Europe during the summer, thanks to abundant food supplies. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about insect migration and highlights the importance of monitoring these species for pest control and ecosystem balance.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that same molecular changes confer resistance in multiple insect species across four orders, suggesting a high level of evolutionary repeatability
The US Department of the Navy has initiated a project to conserve the fadang tree species in Guam, with over 90% of trees killed by invasive insects. The partnership between the Navy and University of Guam aims to develop strategies for successful cycad transplantation and conservation.
Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.
A new study reveals that insects store voicemails via their effects on soil fungi, passing signals to future plants and their enemies.
Scientists found that giant insect sizes decreased after birds evolved around 150 million years ago. Insect size was linked to oxygen levels over hundreds of millions of years, with high oxygen concentrations allowing larger insects during the late Carboniferous period.
Scientists have discovered the first record of insect pollination from 100 million years ago, found in amber from Northern Spain. The discovery reveals a new genus of thrips with highly specialized hairs to collect pollen grains, similar to those of bees.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology developed a device called Flywalk that measures insect responses to odor signals, revealing specific brain regions for processing attractants and deterrents. The study shows that flies process attractive odors differently depending on gender and reproductive status.
A new study at Rice University reveals that plant defenses are enhanced when plants are touched, triggering an insect defense response. This response is mediated by the plant hormone jasmonate, which plays a critical role in initiating plant defenses against insect-eating insects and some fungal infections.
A UCSB study found that 70 percent of the most damaging non-native forest insects and diseases in US forests originated from imported live plants. The study emphasizes the importance of improving bio-security measures to mitigate the environmental impact of global trade.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a protein in black fly saliva that inhibits clotting and reduces inflammation. This finding has potential applications for treating patients recovering from heart attacks and developing a vaccine against river blindness.
Researchers discovered that arum family plants evolved their scent along pre-existing communication of scarab beetles, not through mutual adaptation. This finding suggests coevolution between plants and pollinators might be less common than thought.
A new study has shed light on how species and their natural enemies have chased each other across continents for millions of years. The research used population genetics to analyze the DNA of small insects and their wasp enemies, finding that some plant-eating insects have outrun their predators for hundreds of thousands of years
Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.
A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
Researchers at Caltech explored the brains of insects to understand how sensory connections form new and specific memories. They identified a mechanism involving transient synchronization between pairs of connected neurons, known as spike-timing dependent plasticity, which makes connections sensitive to internal rewards.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fruit flies use polarization patterns of natural skylight to maintain their heading while traveling. This finding suggests that many insects possess a navigational system, which could be studied using genetics research.
A new study has discovered well-preserved fossil insect ears from 50 million year-old crickets and katydids, shedding light on the evolution of insect hearing. The findings suggest that these insects evolved their supersensitive hearing long before bat predators came to be.
Researchers found that caterpillars in Neotropical regions mimic the warning coloration of toxic species for protection. The study reveals that mimicry is a common survival tactic among caterpillars, with some species forming Müllerian mimicry rings to avoid predators.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.
Researchers created a dry tape inspired by insects' hairy feet, showing improved adhesive properties and resistance to peeling. The tape can be reused thousands of times without losing its grip, making it suitable for various applications.
Scientists have developed two new Bt toxins, Cry1AbMod and Cry1AcMod, to overcome resistance in pest insects. These novel toxins are effective against five resistant species, including the diamondback moth and European corn borer.
A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.
Epidemiological maps suggest South Texas is an area of high risk for Chagas infection, with potentially hundreds of undiagnosed cases. The disease can be hard to detect and may be misinterpreted as a flu-like illness, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that male insects are not aggressive towards their mates but instead protective and willing to risk their lives to ensure female safety. This challenges previous assumptions about insect relationships, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of natural selection in the wild.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.
A study found that fast-evolving genes in social insects like fire ants and honeybees are responsible for their developmental differences. These genes exhibit elevated rates of evolution, even before they are recruited to produce diverse forms.
Invasive tree-feeding insects cause significant economic damage to homeowners, local governments, and the federal government, resulting in estimated annual losses of over $2 billion. The study highlights the need for strengthened regulations and enforcement to protect forests and economies from invasive pests.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service estimates that non-native forest insects, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, are causing significant economic damage to urban trees. The study reveals that homeowners and local governments are bearing the greatest share of costs associated with these insects.
The study estimates $1.7 billion in local government expenditures and $830 million in lost residential property values each year from invasive tree-feeding insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Strengthening regulations and enforcement are crucial to mitigate future costs.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a type of turfgrass that is safe for grazing animals but toxic to certain insects. The fungus, called Neotyphodium, produces compounds that kill insects while protecting the grass from animal harm. This breakthrough could lead to reduced pesticide use and promote sustainability in agriculture.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
Researchers discovered that hummingbird beaks can 'snap-buckle' to catch insects in mid-air, using elastic energy stored in the bone. This phenomenon allows for faster and more powerful insect capture than could be achieved by jaw muscles alone.
Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.
Researchers have created biocides with micro-encapsulation that are less toxic to the environment while maintaining effectiveness against airborne insects. The product also shows improved solubility in water and reduced handling difficulties.
Ladybird beetles' ability to produce anti-ant defences has led to their high diversity, with most species having one or both of these defences. This evolutionary shift allowed ladybirds to successfully poach soft-bodied scale insects from under the noses of aggressive ants.
Researchers found six compounds in 'Early Black' cranberry leaves that may deter insects, with gypsy moth larvae preferring these cultivars over 'Howes'. The identified compounds could be investigated as potential insect-feeding deterrents for new cranberry cultivars.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that the last glacial maximum has a significant impact on the current distribution of European scarab dung beetles. The insects' presence is more influenced by the climate of the past glaciation than the present one, with two distinct patterns emerging in the north and south.
Female mosquitoes produce heat shock proteins to protect themselves from stress caused by hot blood meals, helping them digest the meal and maintain egg production. Tests on other insects also showed a similar response.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
Scientists at Cardiff University discovered that spiders can intercept and use vibrational signals from insects to locate their prey. The study found that male leafhopper vibrations are more attractive to predatory spiders, suggesting a preference for males during courtship.
A new study uses genetic techniques to link bat diet to habitat quality, showing that bats rely heavily on insects from aquatic environments. The research also identifies specific pollution tolerances among insect species, providing insights into the bats' foraging behavior and conservation efforts.
Scientists discovered an 'atmospheric imprint' in insects, revealing where they can survive under climate change. By analyzing oxygen isotopes, researchers determined the type of atmosphere each insect needs to thrive.
Research at the University of Michigan suggests that rising carbon dioxide levels associated with global warming may affect interactions between plants and insects, altering the course of plant evolution. The study found that plant families responded differently to elevated carbon dioxide in their production of chemical and physical de...
Caterpillars that use defence mechanisms to repel predators produce significantly fewer eggs than their non-defensive counterparts. Research found that these insects grow slower and are smaller when defending themselves.
Research published in BMC Microbiology suggests that insects on pig farms can carry and transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans. The study found high prevalence of resistant Enterococcus faecalis and faecium in insect intestines, mirroring those found in pigs' feces.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical step in juvenile hormone signaling, which could lead to more targeted mosquito controls. The discovery of a protein partner for the juvenile hormone receptor has significant implications for understanding insect development and reproductive maturation.
A study published in BioScience found that nonindigenous insects are being detected at a rate of 2.5 per year, with high-impact insects and pathogens causing tree death and other effects every 2 to 2.5 years. The researchers advocate strengthening efforts to prevent arrivals of nonindigenous organisms.
A comprehensive study published in BioScience reveals over 455 insects and 16 pathogens are destroying forests across the US. Invasive species are predicted to continue threatening native ecosystems, with experts warning of a devastating impact on industries dependent on trees and plants.
New experiments confirm dragonflies grow bigger with more oxygen, but cockroaches don't. Fossilized insects may serve as proxies for ancient oxygen levels.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert Wood at Harvard University are developing micro air vehicles (MAVs) to monitor hazardous environments like collapsed structures and chemical spills. The goal is to create agile devices that can perform tasks not achieved before using robotic devices on the scale of insects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.
Caltech researchers found that flies regulate altitude by tracking horizontal edges, not the motion beneath them. This mechanism is similar to steering and was tested using an automated flight chamber with multiple cameras.
Fruit flies establish a fixed height by tracking horizontal edges and fly at the same altitude as these features. The researchers used a virtual-reality space to track the flies' movements and confirmed that edge tracking is the primary mechanism.
Research reveals that carnivorous plants like sundews prioritize pollination over insect safety, with taller flowers attracting more visitors. A study of two sundew species found that longer stems increased flower visits by ten times compared to shorter ones.