Articles tagged with Entomology
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that the OFF! Clip-On repellent device is highly effective against hungry Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The device causes high mosquito mortality and knockdown rates, making it a promising tool for preventing Zika bites.
A global research collaboration sequenced the bed bug genome, identifying genes linked to pesticide resistance, mating traits, and blood digestion. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the biology of human ectoparasites and offers new avenues for controlling bed bug populations.
A team of entomologists, including Dr. Ed Vargo and Dr. Spencer Johnston from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has mapped the bedbug genome, revealing its unique features and ecological niche. The study identifies critical genes for survival, providing a valuable resource for developing new control targets.
A new study reveals bed bugs have developed resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides, making pest control more challenging. The levels of detoxifying enzymes in the resistant bed bugs were higher than those in susceptible populations, indicating pre-existing resistance mechanisms may have contributed to this development.
Researchers found that bed bugs that fed after being treated with insecticides had significantly lower mortality rates than those that didn't. The study suggests that feeding stimulates detoxification enzymes, leading to increased resistance and survival.
A comprehensive check list of 1,541 snout moth species has been compiled by Dr. Brian Scholtens and Dr. M. Alma Solis, shedding light on the fauna of North America and its potential threats to crops and forests.
Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick and western blacklegged tick, with a significant expansion of their range across the US. The study found that over 45% of counties have established populations of these ticks, highlighting areas of high risk for human exposure.
A study by University of California, Riverside scientists reveals that backyard chickens have a higher diversity of ectoparasites, including six species of lice, the northern fowl mite, scaly leg mite, and chicken red mite. This finding suggests that the benefits of backyard chicken keeping may come with an itchy price.
New chigger mites discovered on rodents in Thailand expand the country's total known species to 99. The three new species were named after historical figures and belong to the same family as scrub typhus vectors.
Researchers found that Asian tiger mosquitoes prefer containers with large water volumes and near flowering butterfly bushes. These findings could lead to the development of traps using flower fragrances to control mosquito populations.
The latest volume of Research on Chrysomelidae celebrates its 30-year legacy, featuring works from a multinational research team and dedicated to Prof. Pierre Jolivet's contributions. New areas for investigation are highlighted, including Madagascar and the impact of deforestation.
The invasive spotted lanternfly can cause considerable damage to crops and ornamental plants. A new resource provides information on how to identify and manage the pest, which has already been detected in Pennsylvania and may spread to other areas.
Entomologists from the University of California, Riverside, discovered a new genus of plant bug, Restiophylus, and four new species from Australia. The new species are closely associated with Australian restiid clade (Poales). Detailed information on the insects is provided in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
A new sand fly species, Psathyromyia baratai, has been discovered in Brazil. The species was originally misidentified and found to be an undescribed species through detailed analyses.
A recent study found that global warming can reduce the effectiveness of permethrin in killing yellowfever mosquitoes. As temperatures increase, permethrin's efficacy decreases, highlighting the need for temperature consideration when choosing a pest-control product.
Researchers found Ixodes affinis parasitizing five songbird species in southeastern Virginia, increasing the tick's range and potential for Lyme disease transmission. The study suggests that having two competent tick vectors may lead to an increase in Lyme disease cases.
A new species of whirligig beetle has been discovered in Alabama's Conecuh National Forest, identified by PhD student Grey Gustafson and entomologist Dr. Robert Sites. The newly described species, Dineutus shorti, is the first to be found in the US since 1991.
Researchers find oil-based pesticides outperform water-based counterparts in killing contents of brown widow spider egg sacs. The silk layer's hydrophobic properties hindered water-based pesticide penetration, but oil-based aerosols effectively breached this barrier.
The invasive Aedes japonicus mosquito has been found in western Canada, carrying diseases like La Crosse encephalitis and dengue. The discovery was made in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, in February 2015.
A new technique developed by Polish scientists uses geometric morphometry to identify the European corn borer by analyzing the arrangement of veins in its wings. The method achieved an accuracy of 97% and has the potential to be used by farmers to control the pest at optimal times.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes are lured to traps emitting sounds similar to female wing-beats. The frequency used was around 484 Hz, capturing over 95% of males exposed to it. This method could enhance studies and mosquito control in developing countries.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.