Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that behavioral experiments with insects exhibit a high level of non-reproducibility, with some results varying as much as 42%. Despite this, at least half of the findings could be successfully reproduced.
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
Rising temperatures and increased trade enable pests to spread globally, intensifying agriculture weakens natural pest control. Crop losses exceed 40% due to pest and disease impacts, necessitating urgent action for climate-smart management strategies.
A University of Florida study reveals that termites are spreading globally via boats, causing significant damage and economic loss. The research highlights the importance of boat inspections to prevent the spread of invasive termite species.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
The study found that almost 600 of the over 125,000 known fly species are likely to be migratory, highlighting their importance as pollinators, decomposers, and pest controllers. The review emphasizes the need for connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys, as climate change and human impacts threaten many species.
A new study reveals that the presence of Nora virus in laboratory strains of Drosophila fruit flies can increase their sensitivity to bacterial infection and limit their lifespan. Flies with persistent viral infections have higher stem cell growth rates, making them more susceptible to secondary pathogenic infections.
Kelsey Coffman, assistant professor at UTIA, is honored for her research on beneficial viruses in parasitoid wasps and their impact on insect interactions. She has received the Insects 2024 Young Investigator Award for her significant contributions to entomology.
Researchers discovered a fossilized wasp from the mid-Cretaceous period with a Venus flytrap-like abdomen, indicating it was a parasitoid insect. The species, Sirenobethylus charybdis, had a unique grasping apparatus that likely targeted highly mobile prey.
Researchers assessed the environmental impact of five waste-to-nutrition technologies in France, finding that their efficiency is variable. They compared these technologies with existing waste recovery methods, such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
Researchers from CNRS found that applying a mixture of sunscreen and insect repellent simultaneously decreases UV protection. The study used skin biopsies and computer tool analysis to measure the stress response of skin cells to radiation.
Researchers discovered that exposure to similar behaviors within a person's social network is the most significant factor predicting individual prevention behaviors. Household-level interventions targeting entire families could result in more effective prevention strategies.
Researchers from UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources found that forest management efforts are supporting healthy bat populations. Bats rely on semi-open forest stands with varied stand structure for efficient flying and feeding, and a diverse mix of vegetation supports their survival.
Researchers found that lower environmental temperature during pupal development correlates to more synapses and postsynaptic partners in the brain, which affects odor-driven behavior. The study suggests a metabolic theory for brain wiring at different temperatures.
A comprehensive analysis of butterfly data in the US found that butterfly abundance fell by 22% between 2000 and 2020. The study, led by Eliza Grames at Binghamton University, examined data from over 12.6 million butterflies across the continental US.
Researchers developed a novel bio-hybrid drone by integrating robotic technology with biological odor sensors from insects, overcoming visual sensor limitations. The drone's enhanced performance enables accurate odor detection and tracking, broadening applications in gas sensing, disaster response, and rescue operations.
A CSU study reveals trees are contracting in response to climate change, failing to regenerate in hottest areas and not expanding into cooler climates. Human-assisted tree migration is proposed as a solution to help forests adapt to climate change.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
The Antarctic midge employs a unique survival mechanism by undergoing quiescence in its first year and obligate diapause in its second. This adaptation allows the insect to quickly resume development when temperatures rise.
A study published in Ecology reveals that rare males of the Ramulus mikado stick insect species have completely lost their reproductive function. Despite attempting to mate with females, these males failed to pass on male-derived genes or produce functional sperm, rendering them sterile.
New research by the University of Exeter reveals that female hoverflies are better adapted for long-distance migration, flying nearly nine times further than males. Females also have lower wing loading values and suppressed hormones to redirect energy towards migration, allowing them to outperform males on their journeys.
Scientists have found that Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats hunt at altitudes of up to 1,600m, restricting the spread of high-flying planthoppers. This crucial contribution to pest control and food security is attributed to the bat's impressive foraging range of up to 1,743km².
A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts, showcasing the thriving biodiversity in arid ecosystems. The newly uncovered species are native to the southern U.S. and Mexican deserts and were described in a recent scientific journal article.
Researchers found consistent insect damage on fossil leaves from Argentina and modern gum tree leaves from Australia, suggesting insects tracked their food source through time. The study provides insight into the ecology of ancient forests and could lead to the discovery of new insect species.
In a study on dance flies, researchers found that males have developed sharper eyesight to detect whether females are genuinely full of eggs or bluffing. This adaptation is linked to the evolution of female traits such as hairy legs and enlarged eye facets, which the males can use to determine a female's reproductive status.
A new study of Colorado grasshoppers found that certain species can thrive in a warming world by taking advantage of earlier springs, while others decline in size as vegetation dries up earlier. The research provides insight into how insects respond to climate change and how to predict winners and losers.
Researchers found that cacao grafting increases crop yield by 45% after just two years, while preserving native arthropod diversity. This approach rejuvenates old cacao crops with minimal ecological impact.
A study by Kobe University botanist Kenji Suetugu reveals that certain fungus-eating orchids, like Stigmatodactylus sikokianus, predominantly self-pollinate after three days, ensuring reproductive success. This delayed mechanism may drive the evolution of combined self- and outcrossing methods to avoid inbreeding.
Researchers discovered that fruit fly Drosophila busckii can detect and thrive on toxic food sources, including dimethyldisulfide, an unpleasantly smelling sulfur compound. The fly's unique adaptations provide a valuable model for studying toxin tolerance and ecological concepts.
A new caddisfly species, Tinodes lumbardhi, has been discovered in Kosovo's Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, emphasizing the region's high biodiversity and need for conservation. The discovery highlights the urgent need to protect fragile habitats and mitigate the impacts of human activities on freshwater ecosystems.
A novel bio-inspired camera capable of ultra-high-speed imaging and high sensitivity has been developed by KAIST researchers. The camera mimics the visual structure of insect eyes and achieves frame rates thousands of times faster than conventional cameras, while providing clear images in low-light conditions.
Researchers uncover the genetic and metabolic intricacies of wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites to develop pest-resistant crops. The study reveals unique glandular trichomes storing anti-insect metabolites, offering a promising approach for reducing chemical pesticide dependency.
Researchers warn of environmental risks posed by snakes and insects in imported ornamental plants, calling for improved regulations and sustainable practices. The study highlights the difficulty of monitoring and controlling pests due to high-volume trade, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health.
Researchers at UTIA and the USDA-ARS are developing advanced automated sensors, insect traps, and robotic technologies to identify pest species and determine contaminated areas. The new systems will reduce post-harvest losses and contamination in the global food market and supply chain.
Researchers have discovered how a parasitic phytoplasma manipulates plant biology to attract female leafhoppers, boosting the parasite's own transmission and survival. The study reveals that the presence of male leafhoppers is crucial for attracting females, and that the parasite's effector protein SAP54 plays a key role in this process.
Researchers found that fruit flies have stolen a toxin-producing gene from bacteria to defend against parasitic wasps, which can turn fly larvae into surrogate wombs for baby wasps. This discovery highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in animal evolution and suggests it may be more common than previously thought.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
A McGill University-led study found patterns between triggers and symptoms of anaphylaxis, revealing a strong link between tree nuts and throat tightness. The research also suggests that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of severe reactions to nut allergies.
A new University of Texas at Arlington study provides a comprehensive genetic map of the common bedbug Cimex lectularius, enhancing scientific investigations into pesticide resistance and developing targeted pest control strategies.
Low-cost sequencing technology has opened a flood of mitochondrial DNA data on lice and other insects, bolstering studies on insect species identification and developing insecticides. This genetic data also offers insights into the impact of evolution on neurodegenerative diseases and potential pest control methods.
A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.
Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.
A study by New York University researchers found that cities in the US are facilitating the spread of spotted lanternflies through warmer climates and urbanization. The insects' life cycle is lengthening, allowing them to reproduce and spread further north, posing a threat to local ecosystems.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
A new study found that climate warming can increase the severity of bacterial infections in cold-blooded animals like corals, insects, and fish. The researchers analyzed data from 60 experimental studies and found that infected animals were more likely to die when exposed to higher temperatures.
New research shows that migrating marmalade hoverflies in the Pyrenees flew twice as far as non-migratory ones in the UK. The study found that stored energy in their abdomens is crucial for long-distance migration, and that throttle-speed can be more energy-efficient than flying faster.
Researchers recommend public surveillance via online observation platforms like iNaturalist and Observation.org to detect invasive species early. By leveraging the growing number of smartphone users, scientists aim to widen the surveillance net and augment existing biosecurity frameworks.
The NJIT team's Limelight Rainforest developed a drone-delivered technology capable of identifying thousands of rainforest species in mere hours. The device uses telemetry, satellite communications, and AI to interpret data from advanced microphones, cameras, and capture systems.
A study of paper wasps found that species near the equator tend to be larger than those at higher latitudes. The researchers analyzed 429 specimens from 39 species and found a direct correlation between latitude and body size.
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
New research reveals that 'cool' white lights used in modern car headlights cause moths to fly erratically and be more likely to collide with cars. By switching to warmer-coloured LEDs or different LED technology, the impact on moths can be dramatically reduced.
Two strains of pathogenic fungi cooperate to share insect victims, dividing territories and utilizing unique specialties. This peaceful coexistence allows them to partition limited resources and adapt to their environment.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) developed a smart insect screen-inspired film that regulates solar heat and lowers interior temperatures. The breakthrough, published in Advanced Functional Materials, achieves both transparency and radiative cooling performance.
A new study found that the genetic basis of resistance to transgenic Bt crops in the corn earworm is not associated with previously identified genes. Instead, a cluster of duplicated genes is linked to resistance, highlighting the complexity of pest adaptation.
A new study by the University of Otago found that New Zealand's native stoneflies have evolved to change color in response to deforestation, a clear example of animal evolution caused by human actions. This adaptation allows the species to overcome the loss of its original warning colors, which were lost due to forest removal.
Twenty-two new species of gall wasps have been identified and named for the first time, thanks to new research led by a Penn State graduate student. The tiny wasps were named after famous thieves and tricksters in history, mythology and pop culture.
A recent study by American Institute of Biological Sciences reveals that nonnative plant species are a major force behind the growing number of insect invasions worldwide. The research challenges traditional assumptions and highlights the importance of controlling the spread of nonnative plants in mitigating biological invasions.
The study found that monarchs are dying off during their fall migration south to Mexico, with roost sizes declining by as much as 80%. Climate change is not believed to be the primary cause, but rather a debilitating parasite and captive breeding may be to blame.
Researchers found that Drosophila suzukii prefers hoppy blonde beers and tripels, while Drosophila melanogaster is attracted to brown and amber beers. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted traps for pest control in agriculture.