Articles tagged with Insects
Hydroelectric dams devastate aquatic insect populations and food webs by creating an 'extensive intertidal zone' along river shorelines. Citizen science data show that species with river-edge egg laying behaviors have been largely extirpated from the Grand Canyon.
A recent study found that hydropeaking, or the daily raising and lowering of river flows, has a devastating impact on aquatic insect abundance. The researchers discovered a clear correlation between hydropeaking and the number of insect species present, with certain insects being nearly absent in areas where they should have been present.
A new study by the USGS reveals that hydropeaking, a widespread practice in hydroelectric dam operations, can disrupt river food webs and harm aquatic insects. Alternative hydropower practices, such as leaving river levels low and stable during periods of minimal power production, may help mitigate these negative effects.
Research at the University of Bristol reveals that plant viruses can alter leaf surface properties to attract insects like greenfly. Infected leaves reflect less polarized light, making them more visible to bugs.
A new study by Swiss zoologists found that urban moths have learned to avoid light due to high mortality rates in rural populations. The researchers observed a significant decrease in flight-to-light propensity among moths exposed to heavy light pollution.
A newly discovered insect, Asiagomphus reinhardti, has been found in remote mountainous regions of Cambodia and Laos. The dragonfly, named after TU Dresden researcher Klaus Reinhardt, is characterized by a black body with yellow spots and green eyes.
Research has identified molecular clues driving the effectiveness of scorpion toxins, including the tuning that makes them more toxic to insects. The study found eight protein hot spots indicative of adaptive evolution, which could lead to promising new candidates for insecticides.
A new Bt technology could provide improved control of thrips and plant bugs in cotton, reducing the need for insecticide applications. The treatment has shown better plant protection than alternative strategies in field tests.
A low-cost, eco-friendly trap lures female mosquitoes to lay eggs in a specially designed 'ovillanta' made from recycled tires. The system has been shown to reduce virus-carrying mosquito populations by capturing and destroying their eggs.
Global research collaborations study harlequin ladybird's invasion history and ecology, highlighting its ability to thrive in various habitats. Citizen science projects provide valuable information on the spread of invasive alien species, inspiring new approaches to surveying and monitoring.
A new analysis suggests that malaria evolved in insects over 100 million years ago, with the first vertebrate hosts being reptiles and later dinosaurs. Understanding this ancient history may hold clues to interrupting malaria transmission through its most common vector, the Anopheles mosquito.
A Dartmouth-led study found that stream insects consumed by spiders transfer methylmercury to terrestrial predators, highlighting the importance of dissolved organic carbon in mediating mercury bioavailability. The research reveals a broader reach of mercury contamination than previously recognized.
Researchers have discovered a complex alarm signaling system in Western Flower Thrips, which varies depending on the level of danger faced. The study found that the composition of the alarm pheromone changes when a predator is present but not attacking versus when attacked.
Researchers designed a contact lens that adjusts its focus using a bioinspired retina structure, inspired by the elephant nose fish's ability to spot predators. The lens is powered by a small solar cell and can capture images under low-light conditions, offering a potential solution for people with presbyopia.
The UMass Amherst entomologist is documenting the spread of the insect in Mexico to assess its impact on native plant diversity. The cycad aulacaspis scale threatens Mexico's 55 species of cycads, which are culturally important and vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that stick insects have enzymes capable of degrading complex plant cell wall components, including xyloglucan. This discovery marks the first known xyloglucanase of any kind to be found in multicellular animals.
The African Postharvest Losses information System (APHLIS) will be upgraded to monitor other crops, improving postharvest management. The new system will provide data on crop quality, income, and nutrition, enabling strategic targeting of investment in loss mitigation and R&D programmes.
Researchers recommend reducing water usage for agriculture, using less road salt, and routing urban salt discharges to minimize freshwater damage. High salt levels can be toxic to aquatic organisms and kill fish and other food sources.
A recent study found that corn plants may prioritize defense against caterpillars over aphids, potentially making them more susceptible to aphid attacks. This metabolic trade-off could lead to the development of new corn varieties with naturally increased resistance to certain insects.
A new caddisfly species, Drusus sharrensis, has been discovered in Kosovo's Sharr National Park. The discovery highlights the country's unique biodiversity hotspot and raises concerns about the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that Venus flytraps use action potentials to determine the size and nutrient content of struggling prey. The plants then balance the cost and benefit of hunting by adjusting their production of costly ingredients.
A new genus and species of 'horned necked' praying mantis, Cornucollis masoalensis, has been discovered in a French museum collection. The insect features distinctive speckled patches on its head and pale color with opaque wings, suggesting it dwells on the undersides of leaves.
Scientists have discovered four new fungus gnat species in the Scandinavian north, shedding light on regional insect diversity. The newly described taxa represent a small fraction of the numerous undescribed northern fly species, with more awaiting formal description.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a novel method for noninvasive genetic sampling using spider webs. This approach enables biomonitoring without direct observation or disturbance of target organisms, with potential applications in conservation research, pest management, and biogeography studies.
Researchers at Newcastle University have confirmed that praying mantises use 3D vision to hunt, with a new model to improve visual perception in robots. The team used custom-made glasses with one blue and one green lens to show insects any desired images.
Researchers found that maintaining potassium levels low in an insect's blood is crucial for survival during cold exposure. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that the Malpighian tubules play a key role in regulating salt balance in insects.
A recent survey of praying mantises in Rwanda revealed a significant increase in species diversity, with 28 new records added to the country and 20 new regional records discovered. The study highlights the importance of further research into insect fauna in Rwanda's national parks.
Researchers have discovered that aphids deplete all the amino acids in sugary sap they consume and then break them down to build essential amino acids from scratch. This process allows the insects to survive on an unbalanced diet, similar to other animals with gut microbes or symbionts that provide additional nutrition.
In Texas, a citizen science program utilizing public surveillance tracked the distribution and infection prevalence of triatomine insects, showing 63% infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The study suggests that citizen collections are a valid way to document insect distribution, providing a unique sample for disease vector studies.
Researchers identify five chemicals that trigger rice plants to fend off white-backed planthoppers, reducing the need for pesticides. The chemicals, phenoxyalkanoic acid derivatives, have shown potential in controlling insect pests and protecting ecosystems.
A new special volume compiles research on tephritid fruit flies, a major agricultural pest worldwide. The study resolves species boundaries using multiple lines of evidence, improving the application of biologically-based pest control methods for international horticultural trade.
A new study reveals helpful bacteria living inside the Asian citrus psyllid affect its ability to spread the citrus greening disease pathogen. The infection alters the insect's metabolism and triggers an immune response, potentially increasing the pathogen's transmission.
Researchers identify unique expansions of gene families related to chemoreception and feeding in Rhodnius prolixus, the kissing bug that transmits Chagas disease. These findings may lead to novel approaches for controlling or eliminating the disease by targeting specific genes or processes.
Researchers found that cockroaches activate slow twitch muscle fibers only when chewing on tough material, generating a bite force of up to 50 times stronger than their body weight. This unique ability allows them to efficiently exert powerful forces with minimal head volume required.
Researchers discover Black mouse-eared bat consumes fruits, contradicting previously believed strict insectivorous diet. The finding may suggest the species plays a role as a seed disperser and highlights the complexity of Neotropical bats' eating habits.
A study published in ZooKeys found that smaller stonefly species were more capable of recolonizing Isle Royale Island due to their better flight abilities. In contrast, larger stoneflies struggled to cross the lake despite being well-suited for aquatic environments.
Researchers from Mississippi State University found that pre-treated neonicotinoid seed treatments yield better and suffer less damage than untreated crops from the rice water weevil. In areas of high insect pressure, seed treatments show an economic advantage.
Researchers discovered that backswimmers can extract oxygen from the surrounding water using their air bubbles, extending dives by up to 20%. The insects adjust the buoyancy of their bubble by replacing nitrogen with gases like helium and sulphur hexafluoride.
A device that hijacks the mating signals of Asian citrus psyllids may help provide an environmentally friendly system for preventing citrus greening, a devastating disease that has cost the Florida citrus industry billions of dollars. The researchers' vibration trap uses acoustic methods to lure male psyllids into traps, where they are...
Researchers tested 10 commercially available products for mosquito repellency, finding that DEET-based products were the most effective, while some natural alternatives showed promise, including lemon eucalyptus oil and Victoria's Secret perfume.
New research shows that deciduous trees can increase resilience of river ecosystems by providing food for insects, which in turn support fish, birds, and bats. Trees also offer a cooling influence and an annual energy input through falling leaves.
Researchers found that glycosidase-silenced larvae are more susceptible to predators and have reduced survival rates, indicating the importance of detoxification. The study reveals a novel mechanism where removing a sugar molecule from a plant's defensive compound can result in detoxification.
Researchers at CWRU identified key neurons in cockroach brain that control movement, including speed and direction. By stimulating these neurons, scientists can replicate the insect's movements, shedding light on how insects navigate and providing insights into robotic navigation systems.
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.
Scientists at Jena University have discovered how bacteria infect plants by hijacking the regulation of flower development, preventing normal growth and sexual reproduction. The study sheds light on the molecular reasons behind this phenomenon, where infected plants 'become the living dead'.
Insects like stick insects can walk up vertical surfaces using adhesive pads on their feet, but scientists long believed that wet and dry feet required different mechanisms to adhere. New research reveals that the fluid on their feet plays a crucial role in controlling adhesion, with potential applications in modern devices.
Scientists at UC Riverside have sequenced the genomes of five nematodes to understand parasite biology and evolution. The study identified gene families involved in parasitism and found instructions for turning genes on and off, shedding light on biological mysteries.
The South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, threatens US tomato crops with potential crop loss of up to 100%, prompting Virginia Tech-led recommendations for quarantine measures and monitoring programs. World production of tomatoes is approximately 163 million tons annually.
Research on the native ifit tree highlights the trade-off between increasing tree growth and reducing wood density due to insect damage. Conservation efforts may compromise the ecosystem's balance, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.
A caterpillar's feces induces corn plants to lower their defenses against insect predators, allowing the caterpillar to eat more and grow faster. This deception has likely evolved over thousands of years and may lead to the development of organic pesticides.
A study by University of Texas at El Paso researchers found that 61% of kissing bugs in west Texas are infected with the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which causes Chagas disease. The disease can lead to life-threatening symptoms like heart rhythm abnormalities and difficult eating or passing stool.
Researchers discovered that nocturnal moths rely on turbulent fluctuations in the airstream to determine wind direction, whereas songbirds do not. This ability helps them cope with wind when traveling at high altitudes and allows for more accurate navigation.
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.
New research from Wake Forest University reveals little difference in the force delivered by archerfish's water jets to targets at different distances. In a surprising twist, fish prefer closer targets when given the choice, likely due to time constraints for prey capture.
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
Researchers discovered that chitosan, derived from insect and crustacean shells, can effectively destroy up to 90% of pathogens in selected cell cultures. This biopolymer has been found toxic to pathogenic microorganisms, disrupting their membranes without harming healthy cells.
A team of biologists observed and analyzed the jumping behavior of water striders, revealing two phases: a dimple creation phase and a leg movement phase. Mathematical models were created to understand the surface tension forces involved in the jump, predicting optimal jumping performance.
A Japanese wasp has been found to control its zombie spider host to build a reinforced cocoon web for pupa development. The spiders were manipulated to remove their sticky spiral, reinforce radial and frame threads, and add decorative fibrous structures.
Researchers found that a brown variation of the Timema cristinae insect species prevents strong divergent adaptation and speciation by carrying genes between green populations. The study highlights how natural selection can sometimes impede the formation of new species.