Articles tagged with Entomology
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.
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 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.
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.
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.