Articles tagged with Insects
Researchers found that bed bugs can acquire and transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease. The study demonstrated bi-directional transmission of the parasite between mice and bed bugs, highlighting a potential emerging problem.
Researchers found that mosquitoes acquired a love for human body odor and key genes drive this preference. The study suggests that humans provide an ideal lifestyle for mosquitoes, with access to water and large groups, contributing to their evolution as disease vectors.
A landmark study published by an international team of over 100 researchers reconstructs the insect tree of life, answering longstanding questions about their origins and evolution. The study reveals that insects originated at the same time as early terrestrial plants and developed wings 400 million years ago.
A team of over 100 experts analyzed 144 carefully chosen species and 1,000 insect transcriptomes to reconstruct the insect tree of life. The study reveals that insects originated around 480 million years ago and developed wings 400 million years ago.
Mexican free-tailed bats employ a unique strategy by jamming the sonar of competitors to capture prey in complete darkness. The researchers observed that bats almost always missed their prey when another bat was jamming them, and this behavior increased with precise timing and frequency.
A team of 100 researchers, led by Rutgers biologist Dr. Jessica Ware, has completed a groundbreaking two-year project to map the evolution of insects using molecular data. The study found that insects originated around 480 million years ago, contemporaneous with the earliest terrestrial plants, and developed wings before other animals.
A University of Iowa study found that planting trees in urban areas does not guarantee an increase in insect populations, despite attracting species. The researchers surveyed tree species and insect abundance, concluding that built environments can limit diversity by impeding insects' ability to interact with other trees.
Researchers identified a suite of odorants that the Asian citrus psyllid detects, which can modify its behavior. The developed odor-based lure caught nearly 230 percent more ACP than conventional yellow traps.
Researchers use tiny pieces of fossilized tree resin to study ancient environments, plant life, and dinosaur habitats. The findings shed light on the ecosystems in which dinosaurs lived, including the interactions between dinosaurs and insects.
Researchers used mathematical models to explain how moths locate mates over hundreds of meters, integrating pheromone signals and adapting to turbulent airflow. The study has implications for agriculture, robotics, and understanding animal navigation.
The house fly genome contains an expanded number of immune response and defense genes, as well as numerous cytochrome P450s for detoxification. These findings could lead to novel control methods against house flies, a primary vector for human diseases.
Researchers at Kansas State University discovered a protein in caterpillar blood that helps insects detect fungal infections and trigger immune responses. The findings may lead to new ways to control disease transmission from insects to humans and animals, as well as novel methods for biocontrol of agricultural insect pests.
A study by SDSU biologist Jeremy Long found that scale insects have a complex effect on cordgrass growth, with salinity being a key factor. In fresh water, infested plants grew taller, but in salt water, the effect was reversed. The research suggests that plants can overcompensate for grazing when not stressed by salinity.
Beer yeasts produce chemicals that mimic fruits to attract flies, which carry them to new food sources. This attraction allows yeast cells to disperse into broader ecosystems, influencing the flavor of beverages like beer and wine.
Researchers found that caterpillars of fall armyworm and two other Spodoptera species deploy a gut enzyme to attach a sugar to the toxic free DIMBOA, rendering it non-reactive to plant enzyme. This detoxification strategy explains the success of these pest insects in overcoming maize defenses.
A University of Kansas-based team is developing a mobile phone system to identify species of disease-carrying insects. The project combines new technology with entomological knowledge to help public health workers tackle infectious diseases.
A Dartmouth study reveals that insects' fear response limits their growth in the face of climate change. Insects exhibit slower growth and reduced food consumption when exposed to predator threats, highlighting the importance of considering fear as a key environmental factor.
Researchers have discovered that the smell of cut grass signals distress and summons parasitic wasps to protect plants from insect attacks. The volatile organic compounds also play a role in drought tolerance and can help breeders develop new crop varieties with improved resistance to insects and drought.
The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.
New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.
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.
Professor Javier Alba-Tercedor from the University of Granada won an international award for his innovative 3D video of a cicada's interior using microtomography. This non-invasive technique provides high-resolution images without damaging the sample.
Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.
The TX Invasives app allows users to identify 56 invasive plants, 25 insect species, 19 animals, and four pathogens. Citizen scientists have reported over 17,000 invasive species observations since 2005, aiding in management decisions and responding to new threats.
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 studied century-old museum specimens to understand how climate change will impact a common tree pest. They found that scale insect populations increased in warmer urban areas and are also rising in rural forests, suggesting cities may be a preview of what to expect elsewhere.
Geckos can run up walls, cling to ceilings, and defy gravity due to their unique toe hairs called seta that turn sticky and non-sticky instantly. This 'smart' adhesion system allows geckos to achieve remarkable speeds and support massive weights.
A comprehensive online resource has been developed to assist in the identification of 194 potentially invasive species from around the world. The new tool, built by the USDA and California Department of Food and Agriculture, includes diagnostic characters, distribution, hosts, and important references for each species.
Ancient insect inclusions in Baltic Sea amber reveal a surprising similarity with Asian forms, dating back 40-50 million years. This discovery fills a long-standing gap in the understanding of species migration between continents.
A new species of mayfly, Labiobaetis soldani, has been discovered in the Indian Western Ghats. The larvae have distinctive light-brown heads and antennae, while adults are similar in size to those of related species.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that urban heat is killing red maples by boosting pest populations. Warmer temperatures lead to a 300% increase in young gloomy scale insects, resulting in 200 times more adult scales on urban trees. This stress can also limit tree growth and kill trees.
A new planthopper species, Conosimus baenai, has been discovered in southern Spain. It differs from other Conosimus genus species due to its unique forewing coloration and vein patterns.
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.
Researchers have created synthetic versions of stink bug pheromones to track and control invasive brown marmorated stink bug populations. The substances were effective in attracting adult and juvenile bugs, enabling easier population monitoring.
The first issue of Current Opinion in Insect Science is now available for free online on ScienceDirect, featuring articles on insect body size, genetics, and social structure. The journal aims to provide a unique platform for specialists to keep up-to-date with the expanding volume of information published in the field of insect science.
Researchers have found that modern maize has lost its ability to produce a defense chemical called E-β-caryophyllene, making it vulnerable to insects and pathogens. By introducing a gene from oregano, scientists were able to restore this chemical production, attracting beneficial nematode worms that kill corn rootworm larvae.
Researchers found that plants produce more defensive chemicals when exposed to caterpillar feeding vibrations, repelling future attacks. The plants distinguished between feeding vibrations and other environmental sources, highlighting their ability to detect insect threats.
Research reveals a large diversity of spiders engaging in fish predation globally, with semi-aquatic species catching small freshwater fish. Spiders use powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest fish, providing an occasional nutrient-rich prey item.
Research reveals eight spider families preying on fish worldwide, with diverse species adapting to aquatic environments to catch fish even larger than themselves. Semi-aquatic spiders possess powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest their prey.
A new species of stick insect, Sinophasma damingshanensis, has been discovered in Guangxi, China. The insect boasts unique camouflage abilities, mimicking plant stems and exhibiting rocking behavior to enhance its natural disguise.
Scientists urge travelers to use insect repellents containing DEET to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which can be transmitted by insects. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine launches Bug Off campaign for Insect Repellent Awareness Day.
Researchers discovered that female parasitic fig wasps possess zinc-tipped ovipositor drill bits, allowing them to efficiently navigate and lay eggs within the fruit's woody interior. The drill bit's hardness and wear resistance were found to be remarkable, comparable to dental implants.
A study by Ecological Society of America finds that excluding invasive pests like the emerald ash borer from imported goods saves US $11.7 billion, outweighing added costs. The treatment reduces wood borer infestation rates by up to 52%, benefiting homeowners and local governments.
A new species of praying mantis, the tiny bush tiger mantis, has been discovered in Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park. The species was found to have unique hunting practices, with females adapting for close-range prey capture.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism of resistance in pink bollworm insects to genetically engineered Bt cotton, which could impact the effectiveness of integrated pest management strategies. Alternative splicing is responsible for the diverse variants of cadherin protein that confer resistance.
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.
University of Miami researchers found that an amino acid transporter regulates glutamine supply to symbiotic bacteria in pea aphids, enabling the exchange of essential nutrients. This simple mechanism allows the insect-bacteria partnership to adapt to changing demand for nutrients.
Goldenrod gall fly larvae produce a novel class of lipids that remain fluid at low temperatures, allowing them to survive freezing winters. These acetylated triacylglycerols are less energy dense than standard lipids and have antifreeze characteristics.
UC Riverside researchers created a method to classify different species of insects with up to 99% accuracy using inexpensive wireless bug sensors. The sensors track multiple insect flight behavior patterns and generate large amounts of data for classification algorithms.
Biologists at Newcastle University use 'confusion effect' to temporarily disorient whiteflies, reducing their ability to feed on tomato plants. The study suggests a potential new method for sustainable pest control, using harmless plant volatiles to give plants time to defend themselves.
A cost-effective system uses off-the-shelf equipment to produce 3D models of medium-to-large insects, enhancing biodiversity discovery and species identification. The compact models have excellent optical resolution and can be shared via documents and web pages.
Researchers discovered that female cave insects, Neotrogla, have evolved elaborate penis-like organs, reversing traditional sex roles during copulation. This unique adaptation may be linked to the resource-poor environment and advantageous mating strategies.
Flowering plants adapt their scent signals to balance attraction of pollinators with protection from herbivore damage. Research shows that infested plants reduce floral scent to lure parasitic wasps, which are then attracted by leaf scents. This complex interaction highlights the trade-offs in plant defense strategies.
Researchers discovered that male big brown bats use uniquely distinctive calls to signal they want a meal, while females primarily forage near family members. These social calls were previously unknown and have been found in over 96% of recorded instances.
Insects' sense of smell crucial for survival; recent study shows odorant receptors emerged long after terrestrial adaptation. The first insects were not yet able to smell well, with their complex olfactory systems evolving after the development of flying ability.
Scientists discovered three fossil specimens of a new stick insect species that mimicked plants for defense, predating twig and bark mimicry. The ancient insects' wings and coloration suggested a plant-mimicking strategy, providing insight into early evolutionary adaptations.
Researchers have developed a method of insect control using plants that emit sex pheromones mimicking those naturally produced by moths. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that plants can be engineered to produce these pheromones, attracting male moths and effectively trapping them.
Researchers at Penn State have identified major protein components in brown marmorated stink bug saliva, revealing distinct profiles for watery and sheath salivas. This breakthrough may lead to new pest control methods by targeting specific factors essential to feeding behavior.
Tc toxin complexes, used by bacteria like Yersinia pestis and Photorhabdus luminescens, have been imaged with atomic detail. The complexes use an elastic band-like protein chain to penetrate cell membranes, depositing toxic enzymes. This mechanism has potential applications in medicine, including selectively targeting cancer cells.
Researchers found that neighbor plants affect the quality and taste of individual plants for insects. This impacts insects' ability to control pest species like ragwort, which can be toxic to horses.