Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
A review paper highlights the importance of insect biodiversity in supporting vertebrate life, from food sources to shelter and medicine. The study emphasizes the need for insect conservation to address the decline of insect populations, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Butterflies use optical illusions to confuse predators, creating motion illusion effects that scramble a predator's aim. The patterns on their wings interfere with the way visual systems try to guess the direction and speed of moving things, boosting false motion cues.
A new species of click beetle, Lissomus arawak, has been discovered in the Dominican Republic with a distinctive glossy black body and pale-yellow antennae. The species is named after the island's Indigenous Arawak people and is structurally closer to species from Central and northern South America.
A handheld device developed by UF researchers can detect 7 mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses, with a turnaround time of 30 minutes. The device uses RT-LAMP technology and can be used in low-resource settings, making it a game-changer for clinicians in rural areas.
Research reveals that naturally laid oak silkworm eggs produce a volatile compound called 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2EH) that acts as a natural repellent, reducing parasitism. This discovery provides a new perspective on how insects protect their offspring and could have practical applications for optimizing biological control programmes.
Researchers have discovered two new species of large stick insects in Australia, one with unique 'lidded' eggs, and three previously recognized species are now reclassified as five distinct species. The findings have practical implications for managing plague-like population outbreaks in forestry and agriculture.
Scientists have assembled the first chromosome-scale genome for the rice stink bug, identifying over 13,000 genes with broad biological and agricultural relevance. The genome provides a foundation for studying the insect's biology, feeding behavior, and potential insecticide resistance.
A new brain atlas reveals that neurons build their identity in the first hours of life, rather than inheriting it from their parent cells. The atlas, which mapped nearly 250,000 fly brain cells, shows that neuronal identity is established through a flexible, modular system involving different DNA switches and regulatory proteins.
A study found that when females have multiple males to mate with, their offspring inherit fewer harmful genetic mutations, making the population healthier and less likely to die out. This supports the 'good genes' hypothesis, which suggests successful males tend to have the best genes.
A new genus of insects named Swiftiephylus has been discovered, with four species inspired by Taylor Swift's music and life. The insects are herbivorous, plant-feeders that help with camouflage, and their discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in conservation.
A kissing bug native to the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico was found in a Lisbon hotel room, highlighting the risks of Chagas disease transmission. The insect's 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic has raised concerns about the potential for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi to be introduced to Europe.
A new study by Concordia researchers reveals that exposure to wildfire smoke during larval development causes higher rates of wing deformities in spruce budworm and forest tent caterpillar moths. The moths also become heavier, a result that may reflect higher mortality among smaller, weaker individuals.
Researchers have mapped the complete neural wiring behind taste in an animal, tracing taste signals from sensory neurons to motor neurons that drive feeding. The study reveals neural pathways that could explain how taste triggers anticipatory insulin release before a single calorie is absorbed.
A UBC-led study finds that insects pose a more immediate threat to North American forests, with over 60% of areas projected to experience 30% more insect pressure by mid-century. Climate change and pests could jeopardize critical carbon sinks and air quality, costing billions of dollars in economic losses.
Research suggests that insects struggle with hypoxia and hypobaria at higher elevations, limiting their ability to pollinate and survive. Insects with aquatic larval stages and high energy demands are particularly affected, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies.
Researchers have developed a genetic toolkit to isolate individual neuron types in a fruit fly brain, revealing distinct neuronal subgroups that produce different effects, including suppressing aggression. The study identifies a universal control of aggression across sexes and highlights the complex roles of neurons within the same neu...
A new Cochrane map has identified significant gaps in dengue prevention research, with most studies lacking synthesis into reliable reviews that policymakers can use. The map highlights areas such as vaccine implementation, adult mosquito control, and environmental interventions, which require more evidence to inform effective dengue c...
Scientists have discovered five new species of parasitoid wasps in Cyprus, greatly enriching the island's biodiversity. The new species, including Janssoniella aphrodite named after Aphrodite, were found in various locations across the island, revealing a significant increase in chalcid wasp diversity.
Research from the University of California - Riverside shows that pesticides like thiamethoxam and boric acid change ant behavior, with some ants becoming more active outside the nest before dying. This altered behavior may be due to neurological effects caused by the chemicals.
Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.
A new study identifies butterfly species most sensitive to environmental change, offering a practical framework for monitoring biodiversity and assessing forest restoration. The research highlights the conservation importance of specialist butterflies and their declining populations due to habitat loss.
Researchers from Arizona State University challenge a decades-old theory by showing that genetics alone does not explain the origins of eusociality in insects. The study found that haplodiploidy, a genetic system, does not predict the evolution of eusociality across insects more broadly.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Deep-diving insect larvae have developed sturdy air sacs that control their buoyancy, defying the idea of oceanic insect extinction. Their unique respiratory system uses resilin to adjust air sac volume and pH, allowing them to thrive in extreme depths.
Researchers discover new wasp species, Chlorocytus papahemii, in China that controls the weevil beetle Lixus subtilis, a major sugar beet pest. The newly discovered wasp has a unique behavior of attacking another wasp species that preys on the weevil.
Barton's lab aims to improve strategies for managing invasive insects by investigating juvenile hormones. The project will also train graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and middle school teachers in STEM education.
Researchers found that providing honeybees with prebiotics and probiotics helped them survive thermal stress. The study suggests these nutritional supplements can buffer the survival of bees and improve antioxidant enzyme activity.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from foraging honeybees, hive workers, and their honey to understand plant-microbe interactions in honeybee ecology. The study found that these complementary sources provide distinct insights into the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and honeybees.
Research on burying beetles found that heat stress leads to an increase in same-sex mounting, contradicting initial assumptions. The study suggests a possible trade-off between heat-protection and social communication cuticular hydrocarbons may be involved.
Research reveals that worker ants transitioning between tasks are more likely to care for injured companions due to prior social interactions. This spatial and social affinity drives wound care in ant colonies, resulting in improved survival rates.
Researchers have identified a pathogenic microorganism that invades the gut of stink bugs by masquerading as a symbiotic microorganism, leading to nearly 100% mortality. This discovery could lead to the development of new biological pesticides with high species-specificity and lower environmental impact.
Researchers from Kyushu University Museum discovered a new wasp species, Eupelmus curvator, in Japan using social media-facilitated observations. The study provides the first formal scientific description of the male species and highlights the potential of digital collecting for biodiversity research.
A new estimate of insect species globally suggests that there may be 8-14 million more species than previously thought, with many yet to be discovered. The study, using genetic information and statistical strategies, conservatively estimates the total number of insect species at around 14-20 million.
Researchers found that rice stink bugs acquire beneficial symbiotic bacteria from soil and that high soil pH suppresses acquisition. The study reveals that mildly acidic soils facilitate the establishment of symbiosis, providing a potential tool for environmentally sustainable pest control strategies.
A new species of wormlion fly has been discovered in the Himalayas, characterized by its large size and pitfall-feeding strategy. The species, Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso, is distinct from its closest relatives due to its unique physical traits.
The Colobura butterfly was previously believed to be a single species, but recent discoveries have confirmed the existence of three distinct species. Despite their similar appearance, each species exhibits unique characteristics, such as differences in caterpillar markings and gray band patterns on forewings.
Researchers aim to strengthen the fight against plant-parasitic nematodes by identifying weak points in their life cycle and developing gene-edited soybean varieties that prevent nematode exploitation. The goal is to maintain normal plant function while preventing nematode infection.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smaller tree swallows reproduce less due to declining insect populations. The decline in insects affects the timing of breeding and reproduction, leading to a phenological mismatch, which has significant consequences for bird biology.
A University of Bristol-led study found that tropical butterflies of the Heliconius tribe live up to three times longer than their closest relatives, with some species surviving for almost a year. The researchers discovered that these butterflies have evolved a unique strategy for extending lifespan and slowing down aging.
A global study confirms mosquito nets reduce malaria cases by up to 68%, but highlights regional variations and the need for locally adapted control strategies. The researchers warn that relying on ITNs alone may not be enough, especially in areas with established insecticide resistance.
Researchers reconstructed millipede evolution history, tracing origins to nearly 460 million years ago. They also discovered that one group of millipedes may have developed chemical defenses 260 million years ago.
Researchers found that plant species with tougher leaves actually suffered more from insect damage, while those with higher silicon concentrations sustained less. In contrast, plants with higher heat tolerance experienced greater herbivory. Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting forest health under future climate scenarios.
In a groundbreaking study, ordinary pet dogs and their owners excelled at finding spotted lanternfly egg masses, with teams outperforming trained human searchers by over 2:1 in dense vegetation. The research demonstrates the potential of community dog-handler teams as an early detection force to combat the invasive pest's spread.
Researchers have described two new Hydropsyche species from the Middle East and Caucasus, highlighting the importance of traditional morphological examination and advanced DNA analysis. The discoveries, made in Azerbaijan, Iran, and Türkiye, underscore the region's vast potential for new aquatic species yet to be found.
Honeybee queens are created through an elaborate process involving young worker bees constructing customized wax chambers with unique physical and chemical properties. Researchers identified a previously unrecognized class of young worker bees dubbed 'queen cell builders' that appear uniquely adapted for the task.
Researchers have identified Prionus imbricornis, a longhorn beetle species, as the culprit behind attacks on North Carolina blueberry fields. The larvae of this emerging pest can grow up to five inches long and destroy roots, potentially killing trees.
A new report from Stockholm Environment Institute challenges the notion that industrial insect farming is a climate solution, citing varying environmental performance depending on production systems and energy use. The sector faces financial headwinds and regulatory barriers limit its potential for low-impact production.
A mobile app is being developed to identify disease-carrying insects from their wing patterns using machine learning, aiming to reduce the risk of disease transmission in low-income communities. The technology will enable rapid and accurate identification of vectors, tracing disease clusters and responding effectively to outbreaks.
Researchers found that tropical butterflies in the Peruvian Amazon undergo 'seasonal reproductive plasticity', changing their traits in response to seasonal changes. Two species reduced egg production during dry seasons, with one undergoing a reproductive diapause and others continuing to mate at a reduced rate.
A recent study led by UCL researchers found that cooperative societies of tropical paper wasps can survive fierce leadership battles due to individual wasps that pick up the slack. These compensators avoid conflict and increase their investment in essential tasks like foraging and brood care, maintaining societal function.
A recent study maps the evolutionary history of hawkmoths, revealing a co-evolutionary arms race between these insects and flowers. The relationship leads to a cycle of nectar spur lengthening and proboscis evolution, with some species developing long tongues to feed on specific orchids.
A UK-based National Honey Monitoring Scheme has collected data from over 3,500 beekeepers, revealing insights into environmental changes, invasive species, and pesticide risks. The study identified over 800 plant species used by honeybees, providing a valuable resource for monitoring pollinator activity.
Climate change is driving disease emergence in Canada by affecting survival and geographic distributions of pathogens, vectors, and animal reservoir hosts. Physicians should be aware of climate-sensitive diseases and advise patients to take precautions.
A study published in Insect Systematics and Diversity documented over 100 species of Platydracus beetles, with more than half being new discoveries. The findings highlight the vast gaps in known biodiversity, even among well-studied groups like rove beetles.
Scientists found that queen bumblebees are faster learners and better at identifying scents than worker bees. This skill helps them differentiate between flowers, find the best ones, and ensure colony survival. Understanding their cognitive abilities could reveal fundamental insights into learning and evolution.
Researchers observed a previously unknown strategy used by corioxenid parasites to overcome host-imposed barriers. By raising their host's wings, male parasites were able to emerge and mate. This finding expands our understanding of host range diversification within Strepsiptera.
Leaffooted bug nymphs must play a 'game of roulette' to acquire bacterial symbionts needed for survival and growth within a limited time frame. The study found that delayed symbiont acquisition leads to reduced survivorship, adult weight, and increased development time.
Soil animal communities exhibit greater trophic diversity in agricultural systems and tropical regions, driven by resource limitation and disturbance. This flexibility helps maintain soil functions but may reflect the loss of specialized species.
Researchers developed a mechanical prototype to demonstrate their bio-inspired sensor's ability to enhance vibration signals without amplification circuits or signal processing. The design aims to benefit acoustic and vibration sensors that need to detect very weak signals, such as microphones or biomedical sensors.