Articles tagged with Beetles
A research group at Nagoya University discovered that the Japanese longicorn beetle has a symbiotic yeast called Scheffersomyces insectosa. The yeast breaks down xylose and other wood components, making it edible for the beetles.
A rare species of beetle, Bembidion brownorum, was rediscovered on Jerry Brown's ranch in Colusa County after 55 years. The beetle is notable for its unusual shape and metallic shimmer, and its population likely collapsed due to urbanization and agricultural development.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that ground beetle species will thrive or decline based on their habitats and traits. Habitat conservation can help mitigate the effects of climate change on these insects, which are critical pest control agents in North American agriculture.
Researchers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms allowing beetles to absorb water rectally, a property enabling them to survive in extremely dry environments. This knowledge could be used to develop more targeted and eco-friendly methods to combat beetle species that destroy food production.
Researchers discovered that jewel beetles have duplicated genes allowing them to see new colors, including ultraviolet and blue light. This evolution likely occurred after the loss of blue vision in beetle ancestors around 300 million years ago.
Researchers found that conifer-killing beetles can detect the smell of a beneficial fungus through specialized neurons in their antennae, allowing them to identify infected trees. This detection system enables the beetles to locate fungi-produced compounds in tree resin, which may serve as cues for feeding and breeding.
Researchers found that symbiotic fungi convert chemical defenses of spruce trees into attractive compounds for bark beetles. The fungi's volatile compounds, particularly oxygenated monoterpenes, serve as chemical signals to keep the symbiosis alive and stimulate tunneling behavior in beetles.
Researchers have developed insect-sized jumping robots capable of navigating tight spaces, with a new study demonstrating two configurations that can successfully jump without manual intervention. The robots use a dynamic buckling cascade process to store and release elastic energy, allowing them to propel themselves upward.
A Tokyo Metropolitan University study reveals that smaller green areas surrounding large parks in urban environments can significantly affect biodiversity. The researchers found that mobile insect species benefit from these surrounding areas, while less mobile species do not.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that when Ceratocystis ficicola and Fusarium kuroshium fungi are combined, fig saplings experience rapid wilting. The two fungi work together to cause more damage than either one alone, highlighting the importance of considering co-occurring microorganisms in disease control strategies.
Researchers have found that ambrosia beetles actively influence the composition of their fungal gardens, shifting towards food fungi. The beetles use specific bacteria to suppress weed fungi growth, and their social behavior creates a close symbiosis with fungi.
A research team at Kumamoto University has identified the separation of Japanese cockroaches in ancient pottery, dating back over 5,000 years. The study found that the smokybrown cockroach was native to western Japan and the Yamato cockroach was native to eastern Japan.
Research reveals that symbiotic bacteria, Burkholderia gladioli, produce antifungal compound lagriamide to protect Lagria beetles' eggs, larvae, and pupae from fungal infections. The bacterial community remains intact during molting stages, providing crucial defense against pathogens.
Researchers found that symbiotic fungi in reared ambrosia beetles differed from those in wild beetles, potentially leading to a new biocontrol method for preventing wilt disease. The study identified nine filamentous fungi and one yeast as symbionts, including previously undescribed species.
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.
Beetles of the genus Lagria have evolved specialized 'back pockets' to store symbiotic bacteria, which are then relocated to reproductive organs during metamorphosis. The mechanism behind this process is not yet fully understood.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that enabled the evolution of longhorned beetles to break down complex plant cell wall components. The study found that gene duplication played a key role in increasing the diversity and specificity of these enzymes.
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.
Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.
A researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology has successfully printed a 4D-beetle that changes color when it gets wetter. The beetle uses iridescent properties and is made from liquid crystal technology, which allows it to respond to external stimuli like humidity.
A new study reveals that iridescent colors can serve as a form of deceptive warning coloration, protecting prey from predators. Researchers found that both iridescence and gloss significantly reduced the willingness of birds to attack prey, providing an adaptive explanation for the evolution of iridescence.
A 60-million-year-old fossil of a coconut reveals insect tunneling signs, pinpointing the culprit as palm bruchines beetles. This finding sheds new light on Neotropical rainforests and their interactions with insects, highlighting the importance of specialized plant-insect relationships in maintaining plant diversity.
Using a previously published and carefully curated dataset, researchers reconstructed the evolution of protein sequences to build a comprehensive evolutionary tree of beetles. The study provides a refined timescale of beetle evolution, with over 400 thousand species described.
A new study predicts that over the next 30 years, 1.4 million US street trees will be killed by invasive insects, mainly caused by the emerald ash borer. The estimated economic cost of replacing these trees is over $900M. Researchers warn that urban tree diversity is crucial to resilience against pest infestations.
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
The Colorado potato beetle has evolved rapid resistance to insecticides by leveraging its existing genetic diversity, allowing different populations to quickly adapt and overcome new chemicals. This wealth of diversity will likely make the pest difficult to control in the future.
A study found that beetles in German forests shifted their diversity to Red-Ash trees when European Ash trees died due to drought stress. This suggests that non-native trees can provide opportunities for insects during times of climate change.
A recent study by the University of Florida-led team found that common Southeastern US trees are not threatened by exotic fungi carried by wood-boring beetles. The 10-week experiment involved 55 species of Eurasian beetles and over 100 fungi samples, with none causing significant damage to saplings.
A new study reveals that trees benefit from having more space, reducing competition and helping them recover from fire damage. By alleviating stress caused by neighbors competing for limited water resources, trees can fend off beetle attacks and heal after fire, increasing their chances of survival.
A team of researchers describes a novel flight style in the smallest free-living insects, beetles of the featherwing family. They found that these insects use a bristled wing style and rowing movements to excel at flight, defying conventional wisdom about insect aerodynamics.
Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University created a computer simulation predicting the spread of an invasive beetle species threatening Japan's cherry trees. The model, based on river lengths and roads, provided accurate results comparable to real-world data.
A study on a beetle species reveals how two distinct cell types form a specialized gland for making and secreting defensive compounds. The findings suggest that the gland's evolution was driven by coevolution between the cell types, leading to the creation of a functional secretion with adaptive value.
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.
Researchers at the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory are working on improving remote sensing technology to detect subtle changes in forest ecosystems. They have developed a method called PIDS, which can adapt to specific user-targeted specific change detection, and paired it with Landsat data to monitor forest health and c...
A new study attributes a significant increase in tree mortality to the direct effect of warming on bark beetles, with warmer temperatures accelerating beetle population growth. This can lead to catastrophic tree die-offs, especially among older, bigger ponderosas.
Researchers develop efficient fog filter design using structured nylon nets to capture fog droplets, offering alternative source of fresh water in drought-stricken regions. The design is inspired by the unique abilities of Namib desert beetles and textile-based face masks.
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
Scientists discover 28 new species of Trigonopterus beetles, including T. corona, named after the coronavirus and Star Wars characters. The discovery fills a gap in understanding Sulawesi's geological history and biodiversity.
Scientists prove Meselson effect in ancient asexual species, showing survival without sexual reproduction is possible. The study of beetle mite Oppiella nova reveals genetic variance and adaptation through independent genome evolution.
A new study led by Dr. Claudia Tocco found that elevated CO2 levels directly impact the development and survival of tunnelling dung beetles. The study reveals that beetles grown under heightened CO2 levels experience lower survival rates and are smaller in size compared to those raised under pre-industrial conditions.
A recent study by Wits University scientists reveals that elevated atmospheric CO2 has detrimental effects on dung beetle development. The findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may contribute to the decline in insect populations.
A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.
Researchers found that larger male giraffe weevils pay lower energy costs per gram of tissue than smaller males despite having disproportionately large snouts. The secret lies in the architecture of the snout, which is made up of cheaper-to-maintain cuticle material.
A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.
Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.
Research found that tree mortality in subalpine Colorado forests more than tripled since the 1980s due to warmer and drier summer conditions. Climate change is expected to increase this trend, making it difficult for new trees to take root.
Researchers found a new family of beetles, Triamyxa coprolithica, with legs and antennae intact in a fossilized droppings sample from the Triassic period. The discovery offers a new alternative to amber fossils for studying insect evolution and food webs.
A new beetle species, Triamyxa coprolithica, has been found in 230-million-year-old fossil feces attributed to a dinosaur ancestor. The beetles were preserved in the coprolite fragment, providing a detailed description of the new genus and insights into early insect evolution.
The beetle's exoskeleton features a microstructure with alternating material compositions that selectively reflect light, producing its brilliant colors. This structural coloration is more efficient than mechanical reinforcement, allowing the exoskeleton to achieve damage resistance and strength.
Researchers found that the symbiotic relationship between ambrosia fungi and beetles originated more than 100 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of insect farming, a strategy similar to human agriculture.
A new nematode species, Cryptaphelenchus abietis, has been discovered inside bark beetles emerging from a dead log in Nagano, Japan. The species is cultivable and may become a useful model for studying the physiological and ecological evolution of nematodes.
Research reveals distinctive micropillars within the carapace of a flower beetle enhance its strength and toughness while optimizing its brightly colored appearance. The study's findings have potential applications in developing new, effective bio-inspired materials.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered over three dozen new ambrosia beetle species previously unknown to science. These beetles are named after female science fiction characters, such as Nyota Uhura and Katniss Everdeen, highlighting the importance of biodiversity classification.
Researchers warn that biological controls have failed to stop the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in Pacific islands, putting Australian gardens and industry at risk. The beetles' population genetics reveal multiple virus variations, complicating control efforts and highlighting the need for urgent research.
Researchers found that natural selection can counteract sexual selection's effects on females, leading to better-offspring survival rates. By reducing the advantages of exaggerated male traits, predation drives evolutionary changes favoring less masculinized bodies and improved female reproductive capabilities.
Researchers found that horned passalus beetles, known as bessbugs, have frass teeming with antibiotic and antifungal compounds produced by actinomycetes beneficial bacteria. This discovery could help speed the search for new antibiotics and improve strategies to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers found that tree diversity does not shield trees from bark beetle infestation, and the risk is instead redistributed among species. Non-native tree species are initially less attacked due to unfamiliarity with beetles.
Researchers found that glyphosate inhibits the symbiotic bacteria of the saw-toothed grain beetle, preventing it from forming its exoskeleton. The study suggests that this can make insects more vulnerable to stress and death.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have identified a group of glucosinolate-specific transporters in the horseradish flea beetle's excretory system, enabling it to accumulate high amounts of plant toxins for defense. This mechanism allows the beetle to turn itself into a 'mustard oil bomb' and deter predators.