The Asian citrus psyllid can travel at least two kilometers in a twelve-day period, infesting neighboring groves and exacerbating citrus greening disease. Area-wide management practices are recommended to control the insect and prevent further losses.
Forensic entomologists have discovered that scorpionflies and noctuid caterpillars interact with human cadavers, offering new insights into decomposition ecology. These findings may assist in determining postmortem intervals and interpreting postmortem artefacts.
A new study found that Asian citrus psyllid populations decrease with higher elevations, dropping to zero above 600 meters. This trend may provide insights into the insects' vulnerabilities and potentially lead to strategies to control their spread.
The emerald ash borer has expanded its host range to include the white fringetree, causing significant damage and economic losses. The insect's larvae disrupt tree nutrient flow, leading to dieback and deformities.
Researchers have documented Brazilian scarab beetles living in termite nests for the first time. The beetles' larvae likely feed on the nest structure rather than roots, allowing them to survive undetected.
A new species of assassin bug, Sinea incognita, has been discovered in the Midwestern United States after remaining undiscovered for over 100 years. The new species was identified by Dr. J.E. McPherson and is distinct from its close relatives, Sinea complexa and Sinea integra.
The use of insect-resistant maize varieties like Bt hybrids could increase Mexico's maize yields by nearly three times compared to current levels. This technology can effectively control various pests, reducing the environmental impact of chemical insecticides.
Two non-synthetic bed bug pesticides, EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, showed promise in laboratory tests, killing over 90% of bed bugs. However, their effectiveness is likely to be much lower in real-world settings due to the difficulty of applying insecticides directly on hidden bed bugs.
Three new species of leafhoppers from China's Futasujinus genus were identified and described, one named after Dr. Chris Dietrich, a renowned University of Illinois entomologist. The newly discovered species exhibit unique characteristics, including processes on their aedeagal shafts.
A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.
Researchers have discovered Ixodes scapularis ticks in North Dakota, which vector Lyme disease, and are concerned about the potential spread of other tick-borne diseases. The ticks were found in six counties with established populations, raising concerns for public health.
Scientists have discovered two new species of carabid beetles in the Ethiopian Highlands, Calathus juan and Calathus carballalae. These beetle species were found at high elevations and were named after their collaboration partners. The study was published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.
The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
A new species of parasitoid wasp, Spasskia brevicarinata, has been discovered in China, adding to the genus Spasskia. The newly identified species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a short ridge on its first tergite.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive, herbivorous insect species causing significant damage to crops. The new article provides information on its life stages, chemical ecology, and biological control options, including natural enemies and sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.
Dr. Fred Baxendale, an entomology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the field with Honorary Membership in the Entomological Society of America (ESA). He has served the organization for over 20 years through various roles and publications.
A new species of rove beetle, Duocalcar geminum, has been found in French amber and is the oldest definitive member of the tribe Omaliini known to date. The discovery pushes back the minimum age of Omaliini to approximately 100 million years.
A new species of mayfly, Labiobaetis soldani, has been discovered in the Indian Western Ghats. The larvae have distinctive light-brown heads and antennae, while adults are similar in size to those of related species.
A new planthopper species, Conosimus baenai, has been discovered in southern Spain. It differs from other Conosimus genus species due to its unique forewing coloration and vein patterns.
A 13-year study in Connecticut found that reducing deer populations by ≥87% results in a significant reduction in tick abundance and resident-reported cases of Lyme disease. This suggests that managing deer populations could be an effective strategy for reducing human interactions with infected ticks.
New research suggests that stink bug traps can actually increase damage to tomato fruits, with trap placement causing higher abundance of pests on the fruit. This phenomenon is known as 'trap spillover,' where pests rest on nearby vegetation before being captured by the trap.
Researchers found that planting cotton in May reduced boll damage by up to 36% compared to June planting dates. Early planting avoids peak stink bug pressure during the bloom cycle, reducing the need for insecticides.
Resistance to pesticides has increased in nearly a thousand pest species, including insects, weeds, and fungi. Entomologists updated definitions for key terms related to resistance to facilitate understanding and management of the issue.
New research shows ordinary hair conditioner outperforms special nit-removal products in removing head lice eggs. The study found that ordinary conditioners were equally effective in loosening the glue-like substance holding the eggs in place, making them easier to remove.
Fred Gould will deliver a lecture on Dr. Robert L. Rabb, a pioneer in developing ecologically sound approaches to insect pest management. Gould's research has profoundly influenced global crop management and vector-borne disease control.
A recent study found that the use of wasps to combat citrus greening disease is unlikely to threaten non-target insects. The parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata was tested against seven non-target psyllid species, with only one showing a low level of parasitization.
Two new studies have found that genetically modified, insect-resistant crops have no negative effects on beneficial insect predators or a beneficial, entomopathogenic nematode. The research demonstrated that Bt proteins used in corn and cotton crops do not harm two important insect predators that help suppress pest populations.
A new study from South Africa reveals that genetically modified maize has a comparable diversity of insects to conventional crops. The research collected over 8,700 arthropod individuals and found no significant differences in abundance or diversity across different functional groups.
A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that bed bug nymphs develop 2.2 days faster when living in groups than as solitary individuals. This significant difference suggests that social interaction plays a key role in accelerating bed bug development.
A new species of cockroach discovered in Colorado's Green River Formation reveals that the genus Ectobius originated in the New World over 49 million years ago. The finding challenges a long-held assumption about the cockroach's evolutionary history, instead suggesting a complex migration history between the Old and New Worlds.
A new study published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America has found that low temperatures can be used to store eggs of the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus. This allows for greater flexibility in mass rearing and storage, increasing the availability of insects for release in the field at an early opportunity.
Researchers have discovered seven new species of nearctic wasps from the Charipinae subfamily, characterized by their small size and shiny bodies. The newly described species are detailed in a recent article published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
Researchers found that sweetpotato weevils prefer red light for indoor conditions and green light for outdoor field conditions. The study suggests that understanding the differences in insect behavior between indoors and outdoors may help develop more effective control methods without toxic pesticides.
The Turkestan cockroach has become a dominant invasive species in urban areas of the southwestern United States, replacing the oriental cockroach. Its shorter developmental period and higher reproductive rate are key factors contributing to its success.
A new study found that bed bugs can survive freezing temperatures for a certain period, but prolonged exposure to cold can lead to their death. The researchers discovered that minimum exposure times of 80 hours at -16°C are required for 100% mortality.
A new laboratory rearing method has been developed to study the western bean cutworm's susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. This allows for the evaluation of toxin efficacy and potential resistance development.
The article reviews the biology of orchardgrass and its associated billbug pests, emphasizing the need for effective control methods. It highlights the economic damage caused by these pests and discusses available cultural, biological, and chemical control options.
The Bagrada bug, an invasive stink bug, can be managed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM strategies include understanding the bug's biology and host range to develop effective control methods. Farmers and growers can benefit from downloading this free, open-access article for guidance on managing this invasive pest.
Western corn rootworm has shown resistance to Bt corn proteins, but a new study recommends using an integrated pest management approach to delay further resistance. The authors suggest rotating crops, using different Bt proteins, and implementing long-term monitoring to prolong the effectiveness of management strategies.
A new study suggests that genetically modified Bt sweet corn can reduce the need for traditional insecticides, resulting in increased marketability and profitability for farmers. The research found that Bt sweet corn outperformed non-Bt varieties in controlling pest infestations, even with conventional insecticide applications.
The Okanagana viridis cicada is a newly studied species found in the temperate deciduous forests of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Its distinct song features irregular doublet or triplet pulses, lasting for 30 seconds.
The Entomological Foundation awards Dr. John Acorn the Entomological Foundation Medal of Honor for his preeminence in the field through outstanding contributions. The foundation also recognizes Dr. Douglas B. Walsh's efforts in integrated pest management, resulting in a reduction of over 100,000 pounds of insecticide use annually.
The Entomological Society of America recognized Elina Lastro Niño, Kumaran Nagalingam, Lisa Overall, and Paul Michael Bardunias with various awards for their research and contributions to the field of entomology. The winners were announced at the 2013 ESA meeting.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded Monsanto Research Grants and Student Travel Awards to three students: Chelsea Wright, María Cristina Carrasquilla, and Chandra Moffat. The grants will fund their research projects on vector-borne diseases, entomology ecology, and host-associated differentiation.
The NTA IPM team developed a science-based framework to assess Bt crop risks on beneficial non-target arthropods. Their research and outreach information validated the tier-testing system used by regulatory agencies.
The Entomological Society of America has named winners of the 2013 student travel grants to attend the Annual Meeting in Austin. The grants, funded by USDA-NIFA, provide financial support for graduate students in entomology.
A new bed bug trap captures twice as many insects as current traps by incorporating a pitfall trap design, a chemical lure, and a sugar-and-yeast mixture producing carbon dioxide. The trap's taller design makes it harder for bed bugs to escape.