Articles tagged with Entomology
Researchers found that mosquitoes' rectal cells interact with their nervous system, influencing appetite and behavior. The study suggests the gut plays a key role in regulating behavior across species, with implications for understanding mosquito feeding habits and potential treatments.
Researchers at Binghamton University found a significant shift in moth flight patterns over a century, with some species emerging later in the year. The study also identified missing moth species in the region, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic change on ecosystems.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
A new database of 3D ant models, Antscan, provides high-resolution micro-CT scans of 800 different ant species, revolutionizing the study of organismal shape and form. The database facilitates large-scale digitization of small organisms, enabling scientists to better model ant movement and study locomotion.
Researchers at UMD used AI and 3D imaging to accelerate the scanning and creation of 2,000 interactive ant models, reducing scanning time from 10 hours to a single week. The project, dubbed Antscan, aims to create a living library of interactive models corresponding to Earth's biodiversity.
The Safeguard project, which aimed to expand understanding of declining wild pollinators, has come to an end. The project delivered a comprehensive reassessment of European wild pollinator trends and developed an integrated assessment framework to guide evidence-based management.
Researchers shed light on moths & butterflies' evolution, conservation needs, and diverse feeding habits. Discoveries suggest that these insects obtained plant-digesting abilities from fungi, while mandibled moths were once more diverse but largely extinct.
Researchers have identified the specific smell receptor that causes mosquitoes to avoid borneol, a natural compound found in camphor tree oils. Activating this receptor triggers a neural pathway leading to avoidance behavior, offering potential strategies for designing more targeted and effective mosquito repellents.
Researchers used computer vision and machine learning to study Drosophila melanogaster courtship. They found that males rely on specific visual cues, particularly the female's eyes, to determine her anterior-posterior body axis. This recognition shapes when and how different elements of courtship are deployed.
The giant Asian mantis has been formally recognized as an invasive alien species in Europe, posing a significant threat to native biodiversity. The species' high reproductive potential and predatory behavior are causing declines in native populations and altering ecosystems.
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.
Researchers have discovered that the Japanese scarab beetle uses mirror-image pheromones to distinguish between potential mates. The discovery could lead to improved monitoring and control methods for this invasive species.
Researchers from Texas A&M University are using black soldier fly larvae to recycle organic waste and produce protein fertilizer. The project aims to create autonomous systems for rehabilitating extreme environments, reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions.
Researchers found a smooth variation in sensitivity to diapause induction with air temperature and daylight length, suggesting genes regulating circadian rhythm play a key role. The timeless gene was associated with variations in female diapause sensitivity, providing insights into molecular mechanisms behind diapause.
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.
Researchers found that termites evolved from cockroach ancestors that became dependent on cooperation and food sharing within colonies. Monogamy and high relatedness were crucial for the evolution of complex social systems in termites, with genes involved in sperm motility being lost due to the absence of sperm competition.
The latest research on water striders, a true bug family, sheds light on their evolutionary history, revealing that most lineages originated up to 50 million years ago. The study, led by Dr. Michael Raupach, used genome analysis to reconstruct the family tree and identify key drivers of biodiversity.
A new study finds that viral presence in wild bees is linked to floral communities and landscape-level resource availability. Researchers discovered that certain flower communities increase the likelihood of viruses and that flowers can serve as hubs for virus transmission between wild bees and honey bees.
A team of Princeton engineers studied grasshopper gliding to develop a model for multimodal locomotion in tiny robots. They successfully created a glider that can fold its wings and change strategies depending on the situation, achieving performance comparable to actual grasshoppers.
Researchers at Penn State develop high-speed platform to produce synthetic brochosomes, complex nanostructures that make insects invisible to predators. The breakthrough enables next-gen camouflage, sensors and other advancements for humans.
Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.
Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.
When their nest is disturbed, bumblebees respond by preparing to defend the nest, searching for the threat, warning potential intruders to stay away, and finally recovering from stress. They maintain heightened vigilance for around 4 minutes after the disturbance.
Researchers found that a blend of non-toxic and genetically modified toxic corn can alter the shape of corn earworm moth wings, making them more aerodynamic and able to travel longer distances. This change in wing shape increases the moths' capability to fly long distances and spread resistance to the toxic corn.
Contributions to Entomology is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal indexed in Scopus, reflecting its commitment to quality and accessibility. The journal publishes research on all aspects of entomology, including insect systematics, ecology, and applied entomology.
Seven new species of a distinctive frog-like insect belonging to the genus Batracomorphus have been discovered in Uganda's Kibale National Park. The findings are significant as they mark the first new species recorded in Africa since 1981 and add to the existing 375 known worldwide.
Researchers from Nantong University have discovered four new species of Lepidosira springtails in China, representing the first record of this genus in the country. The findings, confirmed by molecular and morphological analysis, expand scientific understanding of springtail diversity and evolution.
A new international study published in Insect Science offers a more complex picture of insect populations. High-flying migratory insects have remained largely stable over nine decades, but agricultural pests are on the rise, posing a persistent threat to food security.
Scientists at UC Davis have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider, Aptostichus ramirezae, in California's coastal sand dunes. The study reveals that what was thought to be one species is actually two, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect habitats shrinking due to climate change and human development.
A 99-million-year-old fossil discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of mosquitoes. The ancient larva shares modern species' morphology, challenging previous assumptions about their early evolution.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found a strong link between cockroach infestations and high levels of allergens and endotoxins in homes. Eliminating cockroaches significantly reduced these health risks, with most infested homes without extermination showing large amounts of both allergens and endotoxins.
A team of scientists analyzed 300,000 years of genetic history of Franklin's bumble bee and found that population bottlenecks and environmental issues such as fire and drought led to its decline. The study suggests that the species' extinction vulnerability arose from historically low effective population size and genetic diversity.
Scientists discovered that leafcutter ants with large loads perform fewer antennae taps per step, limiting their ability to perceive the trail. By reducing the load, they increase antennae taps, highlighting the impact of oversized loads on trail navigation.
Researchers have discovered that the same beneficial bacteria occur in pollen stores of honeybee colonies and on nearby plants, producing compounds that kill pathogens of bees and plants. These endophytes can be used to develop new treatments for crops and hives.
Researchers discover new parasitoid wasp species, Heinrichiellus natgeo, in honor of the National Geographic Society. The tiny insect plays a crucial role in regulating insect pest populations and is found in remote areas of India.
The third edition of Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests features significant updates and new content, including expanded focus on entomology and emerging diseases. Hundreds of new images enhance identification and diagnosis, making it a comprehensive guide for plant pathologists, agronomists, and growers.
Researchers found that soybean plants can pass on adaptive responses to stress across generations without changing their DNA. This phenomenon, known as transgenerational plasticity, can lead to improved defense against pests but also reduces yield and fitness.
A recent international collaboration found significant biodiversity loss in multiple types of arthropod, including butterflies, beetles, and spiders, in tropical forests. The study suggests that climate change, specifically changes to the El Niño cycle, are causing these declines.
Scientists at the University of Leicester discovered that jewel wasps can slow down their biological rate of ageing by undergoing a natural 'time-out' as larvae. This pause in development extends lifespan and decelerates the epigenetic clock, tracking chemical changes in DNA.
Researchers discovered complex structures in millipede secretions that can modulate specific neuroreceptors in ant brains, shedding light on potential new medications. The newly found alkaloids, named andrognathanols and andrognathines, have shown potent interactions with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor.
A study led by Virginia Tech found that volunteer dog-handler teams can effectively detect the elusive egg masses of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect damaging farms and forests across the eastern and central United States. With proper training, dog owners can turn their pets into powerful partners for conservation.
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.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found ants can be used to detect the presence of spotted lanternflies, a serious threat to crops and ecosystems. The method, called antDNA, uses environmental DNA testing to identify tiny traces of DNA in honeydew produced by the insect.
A new study from Toho University reveals that female earwigs exhibit positive allometry in their forceps, suggesting they too may have evolved these traits through sexual selection. The findings suggest that female forceps may have evolved as effective weapons in competition for mates.
A study by the CSIC-UMH Institute of Neurosciences uncovers how flies' flight stabilizers, the halteres, take shape. The structure is stabilized by a sophisticated cellular system that connects its two surfaces through an internal framework.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
A recent study suggests that ladybird colors are produced by a combination of pigments and the physical properties of their wingcase. Researchers have discovered structural mechanisms underlying color production and pigment modulation in these insects.
Researchers at Heidelberg University developed high-resolution environmental suitability maps to identify areas conducive to breeding, leveraging satellite imagery and climate data. The maps help guide targeted interventions in mosquito-endemic urban areas.
The Ecological Society of America presents a compilation of five research articles exploring various ecological topics. Researchers found that historical nursery catalogues can predict plant invasion likelihood and identify invasive species. Urban ecosystems provide critical habitat for monarch butterflies in Northern California, while...
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, suggests that non-native milkweeds in urban gardens are not harmful to migratory monarch butterflies. The study found that resident monarchs and non-native milkweeds are not connected to the larger population, allowing urban ecosystems to contribute to their conservation.
A new study compares the genome sequence of bed bugs that live with humans and those that don't, finding that human-associated bed bugs recovered and increased in population size over time. The research suggests that humans may have inadvertently led to the emergence of modern bed bug pests.
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.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered 'pirate parasitism' where parasitoid wasps lay eggs in unsuitable hosts, leading to successful parasitism. The phenomenon occurs when one parasitoid wasp takes advantage of a host's already suppressed immune system due to another parasitoid wasp.
A new study reveals emerging cases of babesiosis in the Mid-Atlantic region, documenting human cases and detecting Babesia microti in local tick populations. The research highlights the growing public health threat posed by this tick-borne disease, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance, public awareness, and preventive measures.
A team of researchers, including Bob Peterson and Chelsea Heveran, studied the unique adaptations of tiger beetles living in hot springs to survive high temperatures. The study found that these insects have evolved different abdominal plates to reflect more heat than their counterparts in cooler areas.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides. The researchers, led by Warren Booth, discovered the mutation in 134 unique populations of bed bugs collected from North America between 2008-22.
A comprehensive dataset captures individual and group behaviors across genetically diverse strains of fruit flies, shedding light on how genes shape animal behavior. The study's findings have potential implications for mental health conditions with known or suspected genetic components.
Researchers found over half of residential rain barrels in Champaign County had at least one mosquito-positive barrel. Effective prevention methods include mesh coverings, approved insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, and treating the water with chlorine or predators of mosquito larvae.
Kelsey Coffman, assistant professor at UTIA, is honored for her research on beneficial viruses in parasitoid wasps and their impact on insect interactions. She has received the Insects 2024 Young Investigator Award for her significant contributions to entomology.
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.