Articles tagged with Larvae
A new fossil discovery dating back 247 million years provides the earliest evidence of dipterans, including mosquitoes and flies. The immature insect's preserved breathing system offers insights into its adaptations to a post-apocalyptic environment.
Researchers have discovered that mezcal gusanos de maguey are actually the caterpillars of agave redworm moths (Comadia redtenbacheri), not a single type of insect larva. This finding has significant implications for the sustainability of agave production and the potential impact on wild populations of these caterpillars.
A new study uses DNA-based identification to determine the identity of larvae found in 21 commercially available mezcals. The results suggest a single moth species, Comadia redtenbacheri, is being consumed, contrary to historical estimates of 63 species.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.
A study by Dr. Maria M. Georgi and colleagues found that mulching times of forest meadows have a negative impact on both insect larvae and flower-visiting insects. Mulching in September was shown to protect the latter, while mulching in June had a negative effect.
Researchers uncover mechanism explaining how embryos form larvae or miniature adults, correlating gene activation timing with life cycle evolution.
Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.
Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.
Researchers from University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that fish larvae use external directional cues for orientation, contrary to previous assumption that they rely on internal cues. This discovery offers insights into understanding marine fish dispersal, protected areas and population connectivity.
A new mesoscopic oblique plane microscopy method captures up to three times more resolvable image points than other similar systems, enabling whole-body volumetric recordings of neuronal activity and blood flow dynamics. The technique allows for single-cell tracking within the complete 3D circulation system for the first time.
Researchers have developed a low-cost staining method to track coral larvae as they disperse and settle in coral reefs. The method uses colored dyes to differentiate between groups or species, facilitating conservation planning, behavioral ecology, and reef restoration experiments.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Institute found that Florida pompano larvae can be grown in salinities as low as 10 parts per thousand without adverse effects. The study showed that growth, fatty acid profiles, and transcriptome responses were normal across different salinities.
Researchers discovered that ant pupae secrete a fluid that is consumed by both adults and larvae, highlighting the interconnectedness of different developmental stages within an ant colony. The fluid, derived from molting, is rich in nutrients and psychoactive substances, essential for larval growth and adult metabolism.
New study reveals plastic additives selectively harm corals' reproductive processes, development, and settlement, affecting ecosystem balance. Researchers found alarming effects of environmental concentrations on various organisms, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessments.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Germ-free zebrafish larvae have altered neural connections due to reduced microglia pruning by immune cells. Reintroducing normal microbiota restores normal development and social behavior. Microorganisms stimulate microglial activity, promoting neural connection remodeling.
Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.
Researchers found the moths originated from the Baja Peninsula and Arizona, with a new subspecies discovered in western North America. The study recommends using synthetic pheromones to control the invasive pest.
Researchers found that developing sea anemones use hydraulic muscles to regulate body pressure and sculpt tissue. The more active larvae are, the longer they take to develop, suggesting a trade-off between movement and growth.
UC Riverside scientists are working with Jocelyn Millar to find the avocados weevil pheromone, which could be used to monitor pests and prevent them from mating in orchards. The goal is to reduce damage to fruit and enable growers to use less insecticides.
Researchers have successfully created a 'meat-like' seasoning by cooking mealworms with sugar, producing a sustainable alternative to traditional meat protein sources. The team identified 98 volatile compounds and optimized 10 reaction flavors that were deemed favorable by consumer panels.
Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial microbe, Bombella apis, that can thrive in royal jelly and increase its amino acid content. This microbe helps developing bees build resilience against nutritional stress, making them smaller but healthier.
Researchers found that tobacco hawkmoths can identify vital nectar sources and suitable host plants despite a complex odor mixture, with female moths responding strongly to specific floral scents after mating. The study suggests that plant-typical mixing ratios play a crucial role in guiding the moths to the right oviposition sites.
Researchers discovered a new species of beetle in the family Buprestidae that contributes to the production of red propolis. The beetle's larvae develop inside stems of a specific plant, and its resinous exudate is used by honey bees to make red propolis.
In the species Isodontia harmandi, siblings regularly consume each other to ensure access to their mother's food resources. This unique behavior is observed in communal brood cells, where siblings compete for limited resources.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that a specific bacterial compound, lipopolysaccharide, induces larval marine tubeworms to settle on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis. The discovery offers hope for coral reef restoration, mariculture, and biofouling prevention.
Researchers from Uppsala University developed a new method to predict temperature tolerance in individual microalgae symbionts, enabling the identification of climate resilient cells. This study aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts by introducing more robust coral symbionts to combat climate change.
Researchers found that non-biting midge larvae accumulate pesticides from polluted water and retain them into adulthood. Adult female midges have higher pesticide concentrations than males, which are transferred to their offspring. The study suggests that midges can be a source of pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers at Ohio State University discover that carbon black nanoparticles are fatal to yellow fever mosquito larvae in standing water. The material accumulates on the larvae's head, abdomen, and gut, blocking basic biological functions.
A new breed of honey bees has been developed through selective breeding to resist the Varroa mite, a major threat to global honey bee populations. The 'Pol-line' bees showed a two-fold increase in colony survival compared to standard varieties, with significantly lower mite numbers and reduced viral transmission.
A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...
Researchers discovered that freshwater pearl mussel larvae can protect brown trout from Flavobacterium disease outbreaks. The mussels' filtering ability removes bacteria from water, suggesting a potential application in water treatment. This finding highlights the importance of ecosystem services provided by endangered species.
A recent study led by University of Hawaii student researchers found that exposing rice coral larvae to warmer temperatures did not improve survival once the coral developed into juveniles. Instead, rearing at ambient temperatures maximized early life stage survival.
A new study identifies at least 16 distinct wasp species previously grouped as one, Ormyrus labotus, which lays eggs in over 65 insect species. The discovery highlights the importance of seeking out hidden diversity and underscores the need for precise identification to understand ecosystem health.
Sea urchin larvae exhibit a cilia-based response and swim backward when exposed to strong irradiation, revealing a subtle yet crucial mechanism in the evolution of light-responsive tissues. This finding provides insights into the diversification of light-response systems and may have implications for understanding human behavior or fee...
Researchers discovered that Chaoborus larvae adjust their air-sacs' volume by changing the pH level, utilizing resilin's elastic properties. This unusual adaptation enables them to float neutrally buoyant in water.
The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.
Researchers discovered nine genes in S. mansoni's autophagy pathway inhibited by the primate's immune system, preventing parasite multiplication and contaminating the host. The study suggests a potential novel therapy and vaccine against schistosomiasis.
A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers found that in 2020, 93% of Guinea worms detected worldwide were in dogs in Chad. Dogs eating infected fish carry the parasite larvae, which means they maintain the life-cycle and humans can still catch the disease.
Black soldier fly larvae thrive in dense groups when given the right amount of airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The research, published in Frontiers in Physics, aims to make these protein-rich insects more readily available as recyclers of food waste, which totals 1.3 billion tons per year.
Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that Japanese lizard beetle larvae feed on yeast injected by their mothers, but the yeast only consumes simple sugars. The study found that the yeast grows on small molecule monosaccharides and not on complex sugars despite its ability to digest them.
A Brazilian study expands amphibians' known reproductive modes to 74, creating a new classification. The research analyzed 2,171 species of amphibians, including anurans with 71 reproductive modes, some laying eggs in aquatic environments while others develop directly.
Researchers Boevé and Giot translated insect defense chemicals into sounds, measuring human reactions. The study found that the responses by ants and humans are correlated, indicating that sonification can approximate real-world predator-prey interactions.
A new fly species, Scenopinus jerei, has been officially described from Finland, belonging to the primitive and species-poor family of window flies. The species is found in boreal forest habitats and is widespread but rare in Finland, with its larvae preying on other insects.
A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.
Researchers at the University of Turku have discovered hundreds of previously unknown insect species, including a parasitoid wasp that glitters like an electric blue jewel. The newly found Dolichomitus meii wasp is unique in its large size and striking coloration, with wings that shimmer golden yellow.
Researchers found that adult corals exposed to high temperatures can produce offspring better suited to thrive in changing environments. This study provides insights into the long-term consequences of climate change on coral populations.
Climate change is affecting Baltic herring larvae with earlier appearances and faster growth rates. Rising water temperatures are a key factor driving this shift in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Research found that Varroa mite dsRNA is not toxic to monarch butterfly larvae, contrary to expectation based on shared target gene. The study uses dsRNA to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies and found it safe for monarchs.
Insect larvae partner with bacteria to shut down plant defense mechanisms, allowing them to consume crops. Researchers discovered the role of Staphylococcus epidermidis in this process and its implications for crop protection.
Researchers have recorded development anomalies in the Menetries' tiger moth for the first time, providing new information on this rare Palaearctic species. The study found that up to 75% of larvae died before pupation, and some metamorphosis anomalies resulted in adults with wing inflation issues.
Researchers found that varying microclimates in habitats support butterfly populations. Insect larvae benefit from specific temperature and moisture conditions, which can be promoted in gardens with diverse plants and structures.
Larval mantis shrimp display impressive accelerations despite being smaller than expected, highlighting the limitations of theoretical models. Their transparent exoskeletons allow researchers to study the inner workings of their spring-latch mechanisms.
Researchers discover that mantis shrimp larvae can unleash powerful punches as little as 9 days after hatching, with limb accelerations reaching blistering speeds. The tiny creatures' appendages operate similarly to those of adult mantis shrimp, but scaled down, and can hurl the limb at rotational speeds of ~16,500deg/s.