Articles tagged with Entomology
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.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
Researchers added 146 new animal, plant, and fungi species to the tree of life, including 44 lizards, 30 ants, and 14 sea slugs. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting island ecosystems and advancing biodiversity science for conservation action.
Researchers found that male wasp genitalia serve as an effective anti-predator defense, deterring some tree frogs from eating them. Male genital spines are used to pierce and sting predators, preventing them from swallowing the wasps. This study highlights the significance of male genitalia in animal defense.
A North Carolina State University study found that mosquitoes harbor diverse bacterial communities, including those associated with human diseases. The research revealed greater bacterial diversity internally than externally, suggesting that mosquitoes may transfer pathogenic bacteria through physical contact or defecation.
The report highlights that European taxonomic expertise is declining, with nearly half of insect orders not covered by sufficient scientists. The lack of expertise correlates with GDP and is more pronounced in biodiverse countries, posing significant problems for species conservation.
A new genus of scorpionflies has been discovered in Nepal, characterized by a spindly and extremely elongated abdomen. The males have long grasping pincers for mating, while the females lack these distinctive features, making classification more challenging.
A meta-analysis of transcriptome data from aphids and locusts reveals that DNA replication, metabolic processes, and the mitotic cell cycle are enriched in response to crowded conditions. The study also identifies discrepancies with previous research findings, suggesting alternative explanations for gene expression patterns.
Through its Integrated Pest Management program, WVU Extension educates growers on safe techniques, including barriers, insect traps, and predatory insects. The goal is to reduce pesticide use and promote environmentally friendly practices.
A study by North Carolina State University found that two common veterinary drugs, Fluralaner and Ivermectin, are effective in killing bed bugs on poultry farms. Fluralaner was highly effective against bed bugs with resistance to common insecticides.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.
A new study by Pitt mathematicians uses math borrowed from neuroscience to describe how swarms of synchronous fireflies coordinate their light show. The researchers found that varying distances between fireflies affects the resulting blinks, producing patterns like ripples or spirals.
A team of researchers at CU Boulder used X-ray CT scans to study the internal structure of bee swarms, revealing a sophisticated mathematical rule governing their arrangement. The discovery could lead to insights into how bees maintain stability despite having tiny brains and could inspire the design of more resilient buildings or robots.
Two closely related Drosophila species, biauraria and triauraria, coexist due to differences in seasonal occurrence and habitat use. Hybridization between the species is possible, despite reproductive interference mechanisms.
A new paper highlights the crucial role insects play in ecosystems, including pollination, food sources, and mental health benefits. The authors advocate for a shift in public perception of insects, citing government inaction on biodiversity policy, and outline strategic priorities to support insect conservation.
Women pursuing careers in entomology face persistent challenges in obtaining jobs compared to men. The study found that men published more research articles and were first authors on average, leading to higher H-index scores. Women are also less likely to hold industry positions as technical representatives and research scientists.
The HOMED project developed a full panel of scientific knowledge and practical solutions for managing emerging native and non-native forest pests and pathogens threatening European forests. The project's results include over 60 scientific publications, policy briefs, practice abstracts, educational videos, and tools.
A new study has identified 195 previously unknown nectar plants for the painted lady butterfly, providing a source of food in Southern California. The research suggests that droughts may impact the butterflies' ability to reproduce, but the discovery of these nectar plants offers hope for their survival.
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 discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.
A recent study found that climate change could increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug in the US by 70%. The insects are a generalist herbivore, known to feast on nearly 170 different plants, including crops and ornamental plants.
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.
New research highlights the importance of non-biting flies in transmitting diseases. These synanthropic flies ingest pathogens while feeding on human and animal waste, which they then store in their crop. When they regurgitate this content, it can spread illnesses to humans through food contact.
Scientists discovered the rarest North American snake, Tantilla oolitica, locked in fatal combat with a giant centipede it swallowed. The CT scan revealed that the centipede's size was the final blow, cutting off the snake's air supply.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that soil temperature can be used to predict the spread of the corn earworm, an important pest affecting various crop species. The research reveals three geographic zones where the pest can overwinter, and models suggest that these zones will shift northward due to climate change.
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.
Queen ants live much longer than workers by generating an anti-insulin protein that blocks aging pathways. This protein enables pseudoqueens, female worker ants that become queens, to reproduce and live longer without aging.
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 newly identified species of Liberibacter, a family of bacteria known for causing citrus greening disease, is rapidly evolving its ability to infect insect hosts. The research team found 21 genes associated with infectious qualities and identified mutations affecting pilus proteins that allow the bacteria to move into host insects.
Research reveals Arisaema urashima's thread selectively reels in fungus gnats, a key pollinator, by trapping them inside the spathe. The plant's 'fishing rod' appendage also reduces fruiting rate if removed, emphasizing its crucial role in attracting primary pollinators.
Researchers have developed Fanflow4Insects, a functional annotation workflow that annotates gene functions in insects. The team has annotated the Japanese stick insect and silkworm, providing valuable information for entomological research and genome editing.
Researchers used phylogenomics to evaluate relationships among species in the B. frauenfeldi complex, concluding there are five distinct species and a continuum between B. frauenfeldi and B. albistrigata pests. The study's findings provide essential data for pest management and international agricultural trade.
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases aims to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases through research, training, and community engagement. The center will leverage applied research, public health training, and community partnerships to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
Male scorpionflies from two locations in Japan use varying mating tactics, with those from Okayama employing 'sneaking' to successfully mate. The study suggests that environmental factors and genetic components influence alternative mating habits.
A recent statewide census of California bumble bees found significant declines due to climate change, urbanization, and pesticide use. Despite finding most common species, researchers failed to locate several iconic species, including the Western bumble bee, highlighting urgent need for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that increasing serotonin levels in mosquito blood reduces their flight speed and motivation to seek second blood meals, making them less efficient vectors of malaria parasites. This discovery provides a promising new avenue for insect-targeted interventions to prevent malaria transmission.
A new study finds that monarch butterflies are stabilizing their breeding trends, with some regions experiencing population declines while others show increases. The research suggests that changing environmental variables are offsetting negative factors, such as the impact of glyphosate on monarchs.
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
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.
A growing market for pet insects is driving interest in praying mantis conservation; hobbyists and enthusiasts share valuable knowledge, while also raising concerns about the trade's regulation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that female German cockroaches averse to glucose reject male offers of body secretions containing sugars and fats. The study shows that glucose-averse females sense a bitter taste when mixing their saliva with the male secretions, ending the courtship ritual.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation
Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.