Articles tagged with Entomology
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.
A team of international researchers has discovered a surprising genetic mechanism that influences the vibrant patterns on butterfly wings. An RNA molecule controls where dark pigments are made during butterfly metamorphosis, shaping the butterfly's color patterns in a way previously unforeseen.
A new study found that consumer-grade insecticide sprays have little to no effect on eliminating German cockroach infestations. The residues of these products did not kill more than 20% of the cockroaches, with some taking up to five days to die.
A new study found that monarch pupae can survive and produce adults for up to seven weeks in the winter, with a 49.4% success rate in pupal eclosion. The study suggests a potential adaptation to warmer winters and offers an alternative to traditional overwintering methods.
A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.
Researchers identified abnormalities in sex determination pathways of intersex mosquitoes, which can help develop strategies to create all-male populations to control mosquito numbers. Understanding these genetic factors also aids in identifying genes affecting female mosquito behavior.
Scientists have discovered two new wasp species, Troporhogas rogerfedereri and Troporhogas rafaelnadali, named after tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The parasitoid wasps were found in Thai national parks Khao Yai and Khao Sok.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
Researchers at NUS found that the blood of caterpillars contains factors promoting the inheritance of new smell preferences, which are then passed on to their offspring. This phenomenon may facilitate host switching and the formation of new species.
Researchers found that ants need three main things to succeed when hitchhiking: climbing ability, foraging/colonizing behaviors, and temperature tolerance. The study tracked the spread of invasive ants through non-commercial transport on personal vehicles, highlighting a significant threat to native species.
Researchers identified a kissing bug in Delaware with the Chagas disease-causing parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Entomologists confirmed the insect's presence and found it was infected with the parasite, which can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.
A captivating new species of ant has been found with a metallic blue coloration, adding to the rich diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The discovery was made during an expedition to resurvey biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley.
Research by Rupesh Kariyat and Alejandro Vasquez found that frequent mowing of silverleaf nightshade boosts its survival capabilities, leading to deeper taproots, toxic berries, and faster germination rates.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.
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.
A team of scientists, led by Warren Booth, solved the 250-year-old mystery of the German cockroach's origin by analyzing genomic data from over 280 specimens across 17 countries and six continents.
A new study finds significant variation in pollinator attractiveness among annual flower cultivars, with some varieties drawing in more insects than others. Begonia and impatiens cultivars were found to be particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.
Scientists have discovered a new, rare osmiine bee species in the French Alps with an unusual geographic distribution spanning over 2000 km to Turkey and Northern Iraq. The species has unique ecological characteristics, including distinct nesting behavior in dead wood.
Researchers found Joro spiders can thrive near busy roads, attacking simulated prey 59% of the time, despite slight differences in attack rates, without compromising their health or body mass. The species' ability to tolerate urban vibrations and sounds is likely a key factor in its exponential growth
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.
A study by Konstanz biologists reveals that the moths use visual feedback to move and correct the movement of their proboscis, similar to humans grasping objects. The animals' efficient way of working is also great models for applied research in robotics and understanding the visual control of appendages.
Researchers discovered that male large black chafer beetles have a 48-hour circadian clock to detect female pheromones, synchronized with females' mating behavior. The study sheds light on the biological mechanism behind this unusual cycle, leaving experts wondering about the underlying cues that govern natural rhythms.
Researchers found that wolf spiders can't easily signal others or perceive danger from predators on rain-soaked leaves compared to dry ones. Male spiders use visual and vibratory signals for courtship, but vibrations are better received in dry leaves.
Researchers have discovered that insect larvae already used various anti-predator strategies, such as spines, hairs, and camouflage, in the Cretaceous period. These findings provide insights into the evolution of defense mechanisms in insects and shed light on the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
Becky Trout Fryxell, UTIA associate professor of entomology and plant pathology, is part of the $7.1 million VectorED Network, focused on preventing and educating about vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and La Crosse virus in Tennessee.
A global study on plant-herbivore interactions has confirmed variability in insect eating habits across different members of the same species of plants. Latitude is found to be a significant factor affecting herbivory variability, with more kinds of insects feeding on plants and its relatives at higher latitudes.
Researchers have discovered a rare ant species in North Carolina's tree canopies, documenting an entire colony for the first time. The species, Aphaenogaster mariae, has a distinctive arboreal lifestyle, with queens being smaller than other ant queens and males previously unknown to science.
A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.
Researchers discovered six new species of rove beetles with unique genital shapes, including a bottle-opener like structure in one species. Climate change threatens the survival of these species due to habitat changes.
A study published in the Entomological Society of America's Journal of Insect Science found that adult periodical cicadas contain plant DNA, including woody plant and Malus (apple tree) DNA, indicating they feed on plant sap. The discovery resolves a long-standing scientific debate on whether adult cicadas feed.
Researchers found that exposure to the aggregation pheromone 4,8-dimethyldecanal reduces death-feigning duration in red flour beetles, allowing them to save time and increase survival chances. Sex-related differences in death feigning behavior were also observed, with males exhibiting longer durations.
Researchers found a 5% sodium hydroxide solution successfully turns live Lebbeck mealybug specimens green, identical to the 10% potassium hydroxide solution. The new alternative is less corrosive, more water soluble and less expensive.
Researchers found that mothers' social environment predicts their sons' reproductive tactics, such as sneaking or guarding females. A biased female sex ratio in the maternal generation leads to increased male-male competition, resulting in more males and intense mating behaviors.
A new R package, lydemapr, has been developed to track the spread of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly in the US. The dataset contains detailed information on the pest's presence, establishment status, and population density across over 650,000 observations.
A team of scientists led by Colleen Smith found that specialist bees focus on the most abundant plant species in an ecosystem. The study suggests that plant abundance could be a mechanism promoting specialization and speciation among bee species.
A study found that Japanese beetles are likely to thrive in southeastern Washington and could spread throughout the region from Yakima to the Tri-Cities and north past Moses Lake. The beetles' potential dispersion is influenced by factors such as human activity and suitable habitat.
The digitization of Johanna Bonne-Wepster's field notes has filled significant gaps in mosquito research and tropical medicine. The collection contains valuable information on vector-borne diseases and their spread, which can inform current public health issues and future disease modeling.
A new study analyzed existing research on bee-protective measures and found that many common methods are backed by minimal scientific evidence. Researchers urge stronger testing to evaluate effective measures and warn of potential waste of time if ineffective.
Researchers detected Orientia bacteria in chiggers at high frequency in North Carolina recreational parks. The bacterium causes a disease similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be fatal if left untreated.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers identified genes involved in the development of stone cells, which can block weevil feeding on budding branches. The findings could help breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to the spruce weevil, a significant pest affecting forest giants.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
A new butterfly species, Caeruleuptychia harrisi, has been discovered and named in recognition of Brian P. Harris' decades-long work supporting researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Harris provided critical support to visiting researchers, including the paper's lead author, Shinichi Nakahara.
Researchers found that bumblebees use both vision and smell to navigate, with scent marks playing a crucial role in pinpointing the nest entrance in visually ambiguous situations. In experiments, bumblebees overwhelmingly focused on locations suggested by scent marks when visual landmarks were conflicting.
Research by the University of Sussex reveals that white light makes it harder for male common glow-worms to find glowing females, potentially disastrous consequences for global glow-worm populations. Male glow-worms spend more time in the bottom part of the maze without moving towards a female when dazzled by white light.
A study by Shinji Sugiura and Masakazu Hayashi found that bombardier beetles are better defended against pond frogs than assassin bugs. The researchers also showed that both insects benefit from mimetic interactions with the shared predator.
Unseasonably warm and cold days prolong moth and butterfly activity by nearly a month, according to the study. Insect lifespans may also be affected, potentially leading to increased pathogen transmission.
Researchers studied termite mounds to develop efficient ventilation systems for buildings. The 'egress complex' network enhances air flow, heat, and moisture exchange, maintaining a balanced temperature and humidity inside. This design enables wind-powered ventilation with minimal energy consumption.
New research reveals that millipede segments contain tiny bundles of legs, which appear as transparent protrusions before molting. This discovery could help understand how not only millipedes but also other arthropods grow and develop.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that adding nonanal, a chemical used in perfumes, to a pheromone blend increases its effectiveness in mimicking female fall armyworm calls. The discovery could help farmers detect and control fall armyworm populations more effectively.
A study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts the winter dormancy period of mosquitoes, causing them to bite humans and animals longer into the fall. This delay in diapause may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
A comprehensive study across six continents found intercropping to be effective against pests, with cabbage and squash showing the strongest resistance. The analysis of 44 field studies revealed that interspersed planting schemes were more effective than border plantings.
A new mosquito species, Culex lactator, has been found in Florida, with thriving populations reported in three counties. Scientists are concerned about the potential for this species to transmit diseases, particularly given the lack of research on its disease risk.
Researchers found that the spotted lanternfly population is largely due to human-mediated dispersal via transportation. The insects can hitchhike on cars, trucks, and trains, making this a critical time of year for monitoring and removal. Public education and outreach are crucial to slowing the spread.
A study found that high winds increased Campylobacter prevalence in outdoor chicken farms, with 26% of individual chickens infected. Farmers are advised to consider windbreaks and monitor weather patterns to reduce exposure.
New research suggests brown widow spiders actively seek and kill nearby black widows, displacing them in parts of the southern US. Brown widow females are also larger and more fertile than black widows, with a higher reproductive success rate.
Researchers found that indoor refrigeration units increased queen survival rates and reduced maintenance needs compared to outdoor storage. The study suggests that 'queen banking' could be a key strategy for strengthening honey bee survival in the face of a changing climate.
A giant lacewing with a wingspan of roughly 50 millimeters was discovered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, setting a historic record for its appearance in the region. The insect's reappearance suggests there may be relic populations yet to be discovered, and its presence has sparked debate about the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
A three-year effort to conserve bee populations showed positive effects, with increased bee abundance and diversity in studied areas. However, quality of the habitat played a key role in these positive effects, and its impact on maintenance over time was also significant.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that rock ants follow a methodical search strategy, combining systematized meandering with random movement to efficiently explore new areas. This unique behavior may provide insights into the evolution of exploration strategies in other species.