Articles tagged with Insects
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Lund University mapped the genome of Drosophila enhydrobia, a carnivorous fruit fly that lives entirely underwater in African streams. The study shows clear genetic adaptations to its unusual lifestyle, highlighting the importance of natural history museums for understanding biodiversity and evolution.
Scientists describe new genus and species of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, found in Natural History Museum collections. The discovery highlights the scientific value of museum collections and showcases the unique characteristics of this rare subfamily.
New research finds that higher temperatures can benefit bumble bees with underground nests by allowing them to spend more time foraging, but may devastate those with aboveground nests due to increased cooling costs. The benefits appear to outweigh the costs, but just a few damaging hours of extreme heat could set a colony back.
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
A team of Cornell researchers has discovered a massive aggregation of ground-nesting bees, estimated to be over 5.5 million individual bees, in the East Lawn Cemetery. The discovery highlights the importance of these solitary bees as agricultural pollinators and adds credence to claims that cemeteries serve as preserves of biodiversity.
Researchers at DTU have developed a new method to identify bacteria capable of producing vitamin B2 in soya drinks. A bacterium from bumblebee guts was found to thrive in plant-based dairy alternatives and produce the nutrient in high quantities.
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
A new study from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden found that some cultivated plants, such as black-eyed Susan and foxglove beardtongue, can attract pollinators at similar rates to their wild counterparts. This research provides a middle ground for gardeners who want to support pollinators without going fully wild.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that predatory mites avoid laying eggs on plant leaves bearing traces of caterpillars. Additionally, they discovered that even when predators are unlikely to encounter caterpillars, they still avoid their traces.
Researchers at Kobe University have identified a rare scent, dihydroedulan I, that guides the pollinator to male flowers first and female flowers later in a specific plant species. The chemical system ensures the partnership remains beneficial to both parties and promotes reliable pollen transfer.
A recent study found that global warming can offset the negative effects of insect galls on tall goldenrod, a common wildflower in North America. The research suggests that warmer temperatures and drought conditions can boost the growth and biomass of gall-infested plants, making them more competitive than unaffected counterparts.
A team of researchers, led by Felicity Newell, tracked over 8,000 birds in Peru's cloud forests and found that breeding times vary significantly due to changing environmental conditions. The results suggest a more complex response to climate change than previously thought.
Rising temperatures in the Amazon are threatening dung beetle populations, with diversity and abundance highest at intermediate altitudes. The study found that temperature is the key factor limiting dung beetle diversity and abundance, while other conditions play a minor role.
A new study reveals snow flies produce bursts of heat and antifreeze proteins to survive freezing temperatures. The insects generate body heat like mammals and produce antifreeze proteins like Arctic fish, allowing them to remain active at -6°C.
A study found that 44% of respondents were open to trying insects, while 27% were willing to include them in their regular diet. Curiosity and perceived health benefits were key motivators, while disgust and fear were major barriers. Presenting insect-based products in a appealing way can help increase acceptance.
Scientists discovered a built-in 'avoid' switch in the mosquito brain that is highly tuned to detect borneol, a naturally occurring organic compound found in aromatic plants. This finding could lead to the development of more effective mosquito repellents protecting human health.
The Hubland Campus of the University of Würzburg is a rich habitat for 170 species of wild bees, with 31 species listed as endangered. Targeted measures, such as a hymenoptera garden and sustainable mowing, have created a species-rich and ecologically important environment for pollinators.