Arthropods
Articles tagged with Arthropods
Chilean wasp named in honor of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday
Scientists describe new genus and species of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, found in Natural History Museum collections. The discovery highlights the scientific value of museum collections and showcases the unique characteristics of this rare subfamily.
Another web in the wall: Researchers discover new spider species in Colombia and name it after Pink Floyd
Researchers discovered a new web-weaver spider species in Colombia, Pikelinia floydmuraria, which is named after Pink Floyd. The species is able to capture and consume ants up to six times its own body size, playing a significant role in managing household pests.
Smithsonian research associate discovers ants assemble to be picked clean by ‘cleaner’ ants, a novel insect behavior
Entomologist Mark Moffett observes harvester ants congregating with smaller cone ants in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains. The unusual behavior involves the cone ants licking and nibbling the harvester ants' body surfaces, possibly consuming calorie-rich dust-size morsels.
SoCal honeybees can fend off deadly mites
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
Surprise in amber: exotic harvestmen once lived in Europe
A previously unknown harvestman species has been found in Eocene amber deposits in Ukraine and the Baltic region. The fossil, named Balticolasma wunderlichi, reveals a highly ornamented body with lattice-like appendages and complex mouthparts, challenging current knowledge of species distribution.
Rice stink bug genetic mapping offers clues to curb a costly crop pest
Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.
Brown recluse spiders rare in Florida, reluctant to bite, USF study finds
A new USF study challenges long-standing assumptions about the brown recluse spider, finding it's far less common in Florida and exhibits a lower propensity to bite. The research also reveals that bites typically produce shallow wounds with minimal tissue damage.
Water is bed bugs’ kryptonite
A University of California - Riverside study has identified bed bugs' fear of water and wet surfaces, which affects their behavior and movement patterns. Researchers found that all bed bug ages and genders avoid wet surfaces, with younger insects being more sensitive to moisture.
Hidden insect diversity in grass shoots threatened by mowing
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
New species of ladybird beetle discovered on Kyushu University campus
A new species of ladybird beetle, Parastethorus pinicola, was discovered on a pine tree at Kyushu University's Hakozaki Satellite. The beetle measures just over one millimeter in length and is the first major update to Japanese ladybird classification in 50 years.
Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
Ticking time bomb: Some farmers report as many as 70 tick encounters over a 6-month period
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
Ant smuggling case highlights legal inconsistencies
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University highlights the need for better legal protection for insects against global trafficking. The researchers argue that insect trafficking is a growing aspect of environmental crime, with potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
When the air gets dry, cockroaches cuddle: Binghamton University study reveals survival strategy
Madagascar hissing cockroaches gather in groups to conserve water when the air is dry, a behavior that helps them retain moisture. This strategy, previously observed in small insects and larvae, may become more common as climate change alters humidity patterns.
Can social media help clarify the threat domestic cats pose to insect and spider populations?
A study published in Insect Conservation and Diversity analyzed over 17,000 social media photos and videos to understand domestic cats' prey in urban settings. The research found that cats hunt a diverse range of arthropods, including Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Blattodea.
How do winter-active spiders survive the cold?
Researchers discovered that Clubiona spiders have unique antifreeze proteins that bind to ice crystals, preventing their growth at sub-zero temperatures. This adaptation is crucial for perennial agriculture as it could lead to reduced reliance on insecticides and combatting resistance.
Parasitic matricide, ants chemically compel host workers to kill their own queen
Researchers discover a new parasitic strategy where an invading ant queen uses a chemical spray to manipulate host workers into killing their own mother. The study details two species of parasitic ants that use formic acid as a chemical camouflage to get past the colony's defenses.
1st death linked to ‘meat allergy’ spread by ticks
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Imaging reveals bacterial symbionts in the ovaries of tiny, aquatic crustaceans
A team of scientists has imaged bacterial symbionts inside the ovaries of tiny crustaceans, discovering that these bacteria manipulate host reproduction and are transmitted from mothers to offspring. This finding provides a unique model for studying endosymbiosis in an aquatic arthropod.
When ants battle bumble bees, nobody wins
In a study by Michelle Miner at UC Riverside, bumble bees were found to avoid foraging near ant colonies due to the risk of being bitten. However, aggressive bees who fought back were victorious in individual fights but may ultimately harm their colony by wasting energy.
Carpenter ants: Better safe than sorry
Researchers at University of Würzburg discover carpenter ants perform prophylactic amputations on injured workers, halving infection spread and doubling survival rate. This unique approach is reminiscent of human medical logic, highlighting the importance of timely treatment in densely populated colonies.
A 150-million-year-old fossil with a singular adaptation may unlock the origin of quironomids
A new species of fossilized insect from Australia has provided evidence that the family Chironomidae, including non-biting midges, originated in the Southern Hemisphere. The unique adaptation found in the fossil allows it to anchor to rocks firmly, a mechanism previously thought exclusive to marine species.
A new species of shrimp found on Sugashima Island, Japan
A new species of the genus Leucothoe was identified on Sugashima Island, Japan. The discovery was associated with a specific type of limid bivalve, highlighting the unique biodiversity found in this region.
Mysterious flag-waving behavior in a tropical bug is an anti-predator strategy
Researchers at STRI discovered that a tropical bug's flag-waving behavior is an anti-predator strategy, increasing waving seven-fold in the presence of mantids and deterring attacks. The finding highlights the importance of studying insects and their behaviors.
An ancient signpost: Minute fossils tell big story about arthropod evolution
A tiny fossil of a sea creature from over half a billion years ago sheds light on the evolution of arthropods, revealing a brain similar to that of living crustaceans. The discovery suggests that the split between the two largest groups of arthropods was more nuanced and complicated than previously thought.
Ancient cephalopod, new insight: Nautilus reveals unexpected sex chromosome system
Researchers identified X- and Y-linked sequences in Nautilus, indicating a more dynamic sex determination system than previously thought. The study's findings have implications for cephalopod biology and conservation.
Ancient arthropods on the move: Unraveling the secret steps of the burgess shale trilobites
A study of Olenoides serratus trilobite limbs reveals a simpler, functional design than horseshoe crabs, with specialized appendages for walking, burrowing, and mating. The research provides new insights into the behavior and movement of ancient arthropods, offering a rare window into life over half a billion years ago.
Ancient arthropods on the move: Unraveling the secret steps of the burgess shale trilobites
Researchers mapped the range of movement in Olenoides serratus trilobite limbs, shedding light on their behavior and function. The study revealed a simpler, functional limb design with limited extension range, allowing them to walk, burrow, and forage.
Hidden in plain sight: A century-old museum specimen turns out to be a landmark in evolution
The discovery of Palaeocampa anthrax, an armored freshwater lobopodian, reveals new insights into early animal evolution and the diversity of ancient ecosystems. The fossil's analysis confirms its status as a nonmarine species, predating previously known marine lobopodians by nearly fifty years.
Tiny fossil suggests spiders and their relatives originated in the sea
A new analysis of a 500 million-year-old fossil suggests that arachnids, including spiders and scorpions, evolved in the ocean before adapting to land. The discovery was made by studying the brain and nervous system of an ancient marine arthropod called Mollisonia symmetrica.
Tracking insect and bug health in a heartbeat from a digital camera
Scientists have developed a method to extract insect heart rates from video footage taken with digital cameras, preserving their natural behavior. The technique uses advanced signal processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze subtle body movements and detect accurate cardiac activity.
Even bumble bee queens need personal days, too
A study by UC Riverside reveals that bumble bee queens pause egg-laying after a burst of activity, likely in response to cues from their developing brood, and typically resume production within 1.5 days when pupae are present.
Discovery of a novel mode of contact between somatic and germ cells in the ovaries
Researchers discovered a novel mode of contact between somatic and germ cells in the ovaries of two arthropod species, challenging the general understanding of epithelial layer function. The basement membrane, typically a barrier, is penetrated by follicle cells to establish direct contact with oocytes.
Fitness fight: Native bees struggle against invasive honey bee
A study by Curtin University reveals that high densities of European honey bees harm Australian native bees' 'fitness' through reduced reproductive success and altered key traits. In areas with higher honey bee densities, native bees produce fewer female offspring and have higher mortality rates.
Manitoba Museum and ROM palaeontologists discover 506-million-year-old predator
Researchers have discovered a remarkable new 506-million-year-old predator called Mosura fentoni from the Burgess Shale of Canada. The species has a unique body region made up of multiple segments at its back end, similar to modern groups like horseshoe crabs and insects. The discovery provides key insight into ancestral traits for art...
Discovery: a better, more targeted termite terminator
Researchers have discovered a chemical called bistrifluron that prevents drywood termites from creating new exoskeletons, ultimately killing the colony. This innovative method offers a safer alternative to traditional fumigation methods and has shown promise in reducing toxicity.
Ancient fossil sheds big light on evolution mystery: Solving a 100-year arthropod mystery
Harvard researchers formally describe the 100-year-old arthropod fossil Helmetia expansa, offering new insights into its anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships. The study reveals that Helmetia likely walked like trilobites and exhibited a unique molting strategy.
Rare disease drug nitisinone makes human blood deadly to mosquitoes
Researchers have identified nitisinone as a medication that can suppress mosquito populations by making human blood toxic to them. The drug, used to treat rare genetic diseases, has been shown to be more effective than ivermectin in killing mosquitoes and has the potential to control malaria spread.
Variable circularly polarized light reflector combining circularly polarized light-reflection by insect exoskeletons with a conductive polymer
Researchers have created a device that combines the properties of insect exoskeletons, which strongly reflect left circularly polarized light, with conductive polymers. The resulting material exhibits excellent optical properties and responsiveness to external fields.
Detailed bedbug genome analysis may improve pesticides
A new University of Texas at Arlington study provides a comprehensive genetic map of the common bedbug Cimex lectularius, enhancing scientific investigations into pesticide resistance and developing targeted pest control strategies.
Desert ants use the polarity of the geomagnetic field for navigation
Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.
The key to early detection of invasive insects? A curious public with smartphones
Researchers recommend public surveillance via online observation platforms like iNaturalist and Observation.org to detect invasive species early. By leveraging the growing number of smartphone users, scientists aim to widen the surveillance net and augment existing biosecurity frameworks.
Gold bugs: Spectacular new fossil arthropod preserved in fool’s gold
A team of researchers has unveiled a spectacular new fossil arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei, preserved entirely in fool's gold. The specimen belongs to a group called megacheirans, which were thought to be extinct during the Ordovician Period.
Arthropods dominate plant litter decomposition in drylands
A study published in eLife reveals that larger arthropods like woodlice and beetles play a crucial role in leaf litter decomposition across diverse habitats and seasons. Decomposition rates are influenced by climate, leaf quality, and decomposer abundance, with macrofauna dominating decomposition in hot, dry regions.
Mark your calendars: Insect science takes center stage in Phoenix, November 10–13
Entomology 2024 will convene over 3,500 entomologists and experts to share latest research on insect science. The conference explores intersection of entomology with global trends, including innovation and climate change.
The dictionary of termites has been rewritten
A new robust classification system for termites has been developed through expert consensus and extensive data analyses. The updated 'dictionary' of termites resolves ambiguity in the previous system, providing a solid platform for studying termite diversification and ecosystem roles.
New discoveries about how mosquitoes mate may help the fight against malaria
Researchers at the University of Washington have uncovered surprising details about mosquito mating, revealing that males can visually lock on to female targets in a crowded swarm. The team's findings could lead to the development of new mosquito traps specific to malaria-carrying species.
This tiny backyard bug does the fastest backflips on earth
The globular springtail's jumping prowess is a unique and spectacular display of agility and speed. By using its furca appendage to launch itself into the air, it can achieve incredible backflips, reaching speeds of up to 368 rotations per second and distances of over 60 times its own height.
Cage-free chickens are louse-y
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
Bartonella and babesia co-infection detected in patients with chronic illness
A pilot study found evidence of human co-infections with Bartonella and Babesia odocoilei in six out of seven patients with chronic, non-specific illness. The discovery could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for patients with these infections.
Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
Discovery of the first ancestors of scorpions, spiders and horseshoe crabs
Researchers identify fossil from Fezouata Shale as ancestor of modern arthropods, solving long-standing paleontological mystery. The discovery fills a gap in the evolutionary tree of life and provides insights into early chelicerate evolution.
New record holder for smallest dispersers of ingested seeds: Woodlice
A new study by Kobe University has discovered that woodlice and earwigs can disperse seeds they eat, setting a new record for the smallest animals to do so. This finding challenges traditional views on seed dispersal and highlights the crucial role of small invertebrates in ecosystems.
Discovery of structural specialization in myriapod ovaries: Challenging to a conventional view
Researchers have challenged the conventional view of myriapod ovarian morphology by discovering structural specialization in pill-millipede Hyleoglomeris japonica. The follicle epithelium, previously considered a homogenous structure, exhibits two distinct regions with enhanced and reduced metabolic activities.
“Frozen behaviors” in amber fossils – how to reconstruct mating behavior of long-extinct termites
Researchers from OIST used X-ray micro-CT to study a 38 million-year-old termite pair trapped in amber, revealing a male and female in tandem running behavior. The discovery provides new insights into the fidelity of behavior fossilization in amber.
A new species of rare pseudoscorpion named after the Slovak president
A new species of rare pseudoscorpion, Olpium caputi, has been discovered in French Polynesia and named after Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová. The species was collected on the island of Tahiti and is the first new record for the region.
Foul fumes pose pollinator problems
A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.
Nature and animal emojis don’t accurately represent natural biodiversity—Researchers say they should
The current emoji library underrepresents plant, fungus, and microorganism biodiversity while overrepresenting animals. This bias reflects known biases in biodiversity assessments and conservation analyses.
Orchid mantises: Unveiling structural basis of their unprecedented gliding ability
Researchers found that orchid mantises' unique femoral lobes serve as structures for gliding, improving aerodynamics and reducing wing loading. The discovery reveals a new understanding of this insect's aerial escape mechanisms.