Articles tagged with Entomology
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that changes in a new species of fruit fly have an almost domino effect on several species, including parasitic wasps. The research reveals how these sequential events can generate a large number of species in a short period.
Three new species of trombiculid mites and 23 new records of previously-known species have been found in Taiwan, increasing the total number of chigger species to 47. The discovery highlights the potential for more species to be discovered in mountainous regions.
A new study describes three new species of fruit flies, including A. minor, A. summissus, and A. unicus, which are potential biological control agents and pests of economically important crop plants. The research also provides a revision of the genus Acanthiophilus and sheds light on its phylogeny.
Researchers discovered ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi parasite in Richmond Park and Bushy Park, posing a risk to visitors. The team advises taking preventative measures to avoid tick bites, especially in areas with frequent parkland usage.
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found Ixodes ricinus ticks in Richmond and Bushy parks, carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterial pathogen that causes Lyme disease. The risk is low but caution is advised as most humans are infected through nymphs' bites.
A new open-access article provides an overview of the olive fruit fly, its biology and life history, and current control methods. The article discusses various techniques, including biological control programs and cultural practices, to help manage commercial olive orchards.
Researchers report brown widow spider discovery in Tahiti and Cook Islands, but caution against alarm. The non-aggressive nature of the spider and a natural control agent make it less of a concern.
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has selected three individuals as its 2015 Honorary Members for their significant contributions to the field. Dr. Wayne A. Gardner is honored for his 41 years of continuous service, while Dr. Michael E. Gray is recognized for his extensive research and leadership roles in integrated pest manag...
A new stink bug has been identified as the primary pest problem for soybean crops in Texas, causing economic damage. Entomologists are developing targeted control methods, including using trap crops and resistant varieties, to mitigate the issue.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for producing hundreds of female emerald ash borer decoys using biomimetic fabrication. The new approach, which requires only one mold, is 40% more successful than previous methods and can be produced faster and less expensively.
Researchers found stink bugs track ripening fruit to maximize food access, suggesting limiting fruit availability in spring and fall could be an effective strategy for controlling stink bug populations. The study provides critical intelligence in the battle against these pests and their annual destruction.
The harlequin ladybird's arrival in Britain has led to declines in seven native ladybird species due to its predatory behavior. Research on the invasive species has provided new insights into biological invasions and their impact on ecosystems.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that climate warming has made potato leafhoppers arrive an average of 10 days earlier and cause more severe infestations. The pests cause significant economic damage to farmers across the eastern US, with losses estimated in millions of dollars.
A new device has been developed that can detect the presence of chikungunya virus in mosquitoes within an hour, revolutionizing the field of public health. This fast and easy-to-use test has the potential to save lives by enabling swift detection and control of disease outbreaks.
A new device developed by French researchers can efficiently collect bed bugs without damaging them. The modified Dyson hand vacuum is effective in collecting adults, larvae, and eggs, and has the potential to increase monitoring and control levels of this pest insect.
Scientists have identified two new species of creeping water bugs, Ambrysus cayo and Procryphocricos pilcopata, found in streams in western Belize and southeastern Peru. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored world of aquatic insects, with many still to be discovered before it's too late due to habitat destruction.
A new study documents the presence of Philornis downsi at two sites near Ecuador's coast, harming 37 bird species, including the streak-headed woodcreeper and fasciated wren. A parasitoid wasp that attacks the flies has also been discovered.
The article provides a thorough review of the Asian longhorned beetle's biology, life stages, distribution, ecology, and methods of detecting and controlling it. The new online resource will be particularly helpful for forest managers and policymakers, offering a summary of the scientific backing for cooperative eradication programs.
UGA researchers have identified a hormone receptor that plays a key role in regulating female mosquito reproduction, enabling them to produce eggs after consuming blood. The discovery fills a major gap in understanding how mosquitoes reproduce and could potentially lead to strategies for controlling mosquito populations.
Researchers find that ticks are prevalent on lemurs' noses, particularly male Haemaphysalis lemuris, which attach to the nostrils. The study suggests that the nose is a strategic location for ticks to find mates and avoid being plucked off during grooming.
A study published in Journal of Medical Entomology found that ActiveGuard mattress liners impregnated with permethrin significantly reduce bed bugs' ability to feed and lay eggs. The researchers found that even sublethal exposure to the fabric can have far-reaching consequences for bed bug populations.
A new study by University of Missouri biologist James E. Carrel found that southern house spiders prefer holes and cavities that are three to four times as big as their own body size for building nests. The spiders select nest sites based on their size, similar to how hermit crabs trade up for bigger shells as they grow bigger.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a more efficient method to edit the mosquito genome using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling faster studies of disease-causing genes. This breakthrough may aid in developing novel strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases and reduce their impact on human health.
Researchers in Georgia have discovered a new tick species, Dermacentor limbooliati, found in Malaysia and Vietnam. The species can be distinguished from similar ones by several characteristics.
Researchers found sap-feeding butterflies have proboscis conformations closely resembling the Golden Ratio, suggesting a connection between feeding habits and substrate type. The study suggests this discovery can be used to predict the feeding habits of unstudied lepidopteran species.
The rice water weevil is a devastating insect pest of rice in the US, causing yield losses of up to 25%. Researchers offer new management strategies, including cultural control methods and microbial control options, to combat this invasive species.
Researchers found that mosquitoes respond weakly to human skin odor alone and require a fluctuating concentration of carbon dioxide to land on human skin. This suggests that upwind flight towards human odor may be used to locate dwellings rather than feeding sites.
Forensic entomologists have discovered that scorpionflies and noctuid caterpillars interact with human cadavers, offering new insights into decomposition ecology. These findings may assist in determining postmortem intervals and interpreting postmortem artefacts.
A new study found that Asian citrus psyllid populations decrease with higher elevations, dropping to zero above 600 meters. This trend may provide insights into the insects' vulnerabilities and potentially lead to strategies to control their spread.
The emerald ash borer has expanded its host range to include the white fringetree, causing significant damage and economic losses. The insect's larvae disrupt tree nutrient flow, leading to dieback and deformities.
Researchers have documented Brazilian scarab beetles living in termite nests for the first time. The beetles' larvae likely feed on the nest structure rather than roots, allowing them to survive undetected.
Researchers at UC Riverside devised a method to isolate hydrocarbon molecules used by insects for communication and differentiation. The study found that nearly all insects produce the R form of these chemicals, paving the way for understanding their functions and potential applications in controlling pest species.
A hybrid of two malaria mosquito species has been found to be highly resistant to insecticide-treated bed nets, threatening efforts to control malaria in Africa. The discovery highlights the urgent need for new and effective vector control strategies.
A team of scientists led by UC Riverside expert Richard Vetter analyzed spider bite data to conclude that the evidence for spider-vectored infections is scarce. The study found that bacterial infections are often misattributed to spider bites, and spiders should not be blamed for human skin infections.
A new species of assassin bug, Sinea incognita, has been discovered in the Midwestern United States after remaining undiscovered for over 100 years. The new species was identified by Dr. J.E. McPherson and is distinct from its close relatives, Sinea complexa and Sinea integra.
Kansas State University professors C. Michael Smith and Christopher Sorensen were selected as AAAS fellows for their pioneering contributions to entomology and soft matter physics, respectively. Their research has been recognized for advancing science, education, and outreach.
Three new species of leafhoppers from China's Futasujinus genus were identified and described, one named after Dr. Chris Dietrich, a renowned University of Illinois entomologist. The newly discovered species exhibit unique characteristics, including processes on their aedeagal shafts.
A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.
Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.
Scientists have discovered two new species of carabid beetles in the Ethiopian Highlands, Calathus juan and Calathus carballalae. These beetle species were found at high elevations and were named after their collaboration partners. The study was published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
Researchers have discovered Ixodes scapularis ticks in North Dakota, which vector Lyme disease, and are concerned about the potential spread of other tick-borne diseases. The ticks were found in six counties with established populations, raising concerns for public health.
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
A new species of parasitoid wasp, Spasskia brevicarinata, has been discovered in China, adding to the genus Spasskia. The newly identified species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a short ridge on its first tergite.
Dr. Fred Baxendale, an entomology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the field with Honorary Membership in the Entomological Society of America (ESA). He has served the organization for over 20 years through various roles and publications.
Researchers discovered that a type of bacteria called Asaia blocks invasion of Wolbachia into mosquitoes' germlines, stopping the insects from transmitting Wolbachia to their offspring. This finding provides a potential answer to why some insect species are infected with Wolbachia while others are not.
Jocelyn Millar, a professor of entomology at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Silver Medal by the International Society of Chemical Ecology. His research primarily focuses on how insects use odors and tastes for communication, with practical applications for detecting and managing insect populations.
A 13-year study in Connecticut found that reducing deer populations by ≥87% results in a significant reduction in tick abundance and resident-reported cases of Lyme disease. This suggests that managing deer populations could be an effective strategy for reducing human interactions with infected ticks.
Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ant species are expanding their territory in the southeastern United States. The study identified two new species, O. haematodus and O. ruginodis, which have spread across the Gulf Coast region, including Florida and Alabama.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a cheap and effective stink bug trap using a foil roasting pan, dish soap, and light. The homemade trap eliminated 14 times more stink bugs than store-bought models, providing a pesticide-free solution for homeowners.
New research suggests that stink bug traps can actually increase damage to tomato fruits, with trap placement causing higher abundance of pests on the fruit. This phenomenon is known as 'trap spillover,' where pests rest on nearby vegetation before being captured by the trap.
A study published in Agricultural Systems found that planting cover crops increases eight of eleven ecosystem services, including carbon and nitrogen retention, erosion prevention, and weed suppression. The research highlights the importance of considering temporal dynamics when assessing management system effects on ecosystem services.
Researchers found that planting cotton in May reduced boll damage by up to 36% compared to June planting dates. Early planting avoids peak stink bug pressure during the bloom cycle, reducing the need for insecticides.
Resistance to pesticides has increased in nearly a thousand pest species, including insects, weeds, and fungi. Entomologists updated definitions for key terms related to resistance to facilitate understanding and management of the issue.
New research shows ordinary hair conditioner outperforms special nit-removal products in removing head lice eggs. The study found that ordinary conditioners were equally effective in loosening the glue-like substance holding the eggs in place, making them easier to remove.
Researchers found that Wolbachia reduced malaria parasite infection and oocyst intensity at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its effect varied across different temperatures, with increased oocyst intensity at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fred Gould will deliver a lecture on Dr. Robert L. Rabb, a pioneer in developing ecologically sound approaches to insect pest management. Gould's research has profoundly influenced global crop management and vector-borne disease control.
A recent study found that the use of wasps to combat citrus greening disease is unlikely to threaten non-target insects. The parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata was tested against seven non-target psyllid species, with only one showing a low level of parasitization.
Two new studies have found that genetically modified, insect-resistant crops have no negative effects on beneficial insect predators or a beneficial, entomopathogenic nematode. The research demonstrated that Bt proteins used in corn and cotton crops do not harm two important insect predators that help suppress pest populations.
A new study from South Africa reveals that genetically modified maize has a comparable diversity of insects to conventional crops. The research collected over 8,700 arthropod individuals and found no significant differences in abundance or diversity across different functional groups.