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The colors of nature: 9 beautiful new wasp species from China

A new study revises the cuckoo wasp genus Cleptes in China, discovering nine beautifully colored new species. The study highlights the genus' unique parasitoid habits, where they lay eggs in host nests and consume provisions after eliminating competition.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 13, 2013

Chinese wasps are taking on the emerald ash borer

Research reveals parasitic wasp Tetrastichus planipennisi populations are increasing and expanding in Michigan, suggesting they will play a critical role in suppressing the invasive EAB. By 2012, rates of parasitism on EAB increased from 1.2% to 21.2%, with 92% of sampled trees hosting wasp broods.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJun 5, 2013
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Peculiar parasitoid wasp found on rare sawfly developing in ferns

A mysterious parasitoid wasp, Seleucus cuneiformis, has been found on a rare European fern sawfly, Blasticotoma filiceti. The study, published in Journal of Hymenoptera Research, reveals the unusual biology of this parasite, including its symbiotic relationship with ants, which live in symbiosis based on food for protection.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 25, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

'Kill Bill' character inspires the name of a new parasitoid wasp species

Three new species of parasitoid wasps were discovered in Papua New Guinea and Thailand, with the Thai species named after Beatrix Kiddo due to its deadly biology. The wasps' reproductive habits involve developing eggs in other insects and killing or immobilizing their hosts.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 19, 2013

Small wasps to control a big pest?

Researchers have identified five small wasp species that directly attack the younger life stages of the pine wood nematode vector Monochamus galloprovincialis. The study, published in ZooKeys, highlights the potential for these tiny insects to control a major pest affecting southwest Europe pine stands.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 20, 2012

The hungry caterpillar: Beware your enemy's enemy's enemy

A new study reveals that hyperparasitoids exploit plant odours triggered by parasitoid-infected caterpillars, compromising the mutualistic relationship between plants and parasitoids. This complex network of interactions highlights the importance of considering species at multiple trophic levels in ecological functions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 27, 2012

Can indigenous insects be used against the light brown apple moth?

A new study suggests that native insect parasitoids in California can suppress the light brown apple moth population, with one species accounting for over 80% of larval parasitism rates. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural enemies in controlling the pest's spread.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateFeb 8, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

This beetle uses eggs as shields against wasps

Researchers discovered that desert seed beetles use a strategy of stacking their eggs as shields against parasitic wasps. The beetles lay their eggs on seed pods, then stack multiple layers to protect them from the wasp species. This behavior prevents the wasp larvae from developing and allows the beetle offspring to survive.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateSep 14, 2011

Uncovering behavior of long-dead insects

Researchers from Natural History Museum of Bern reveal courtship behaviors of male parasitoid wasps through antennal structures and coiling behavior. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, emphasizes the importance of natural history museum collections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 19, 2010
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Genome advances peril for pests

The study's findings suggest that parasitic wasp genomes could enhance pest control by identifying target insects and venom composition. Additionally, the rapidly evolving mitochondria in Nasonia wasps may provide insights into human diseases such as mitochondrial disorders.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Find the aphid

Aphids leave behind their old exoskeletons, called exuviae, to act as decoys for parasitoid wasps. This behavior helps aphids escape from parasitic attacks by giving other aphids time to flee while the wasps investigate the empty shells.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 18, 2008

Parasitoid turns its host into a bodyguard

A parasitoid wasp induces its moth caterpillar host to stop feeding, remain close to the pupae, and defend against predators, resulting in increased pupae survival. The caterpillar's behavioral changes appear to outweigh potential risks of increased transmission for the parasite.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2008

Eat up all of your Brussels sprouts -- unless you're an aphid

New research shows that aphids feeding on low-quality Brussels sprouts are smaller and fewer in number, leading to a ripple effect throughout the food chain. This has significant implications for the structure and diversity of ecosystems, highlighting the importance of plant quality in shaping ecosystem function.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tiny pest-eating insect fights fruit flies

A study by Jean Pierre Kapongo found that Muscidifurax raptor is an effective biocontrol agent for controlling fruit flies in vineyards. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting the environment and promoting agricultural sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 6, 2007