

Plant Pollen May Be Important Food Source for Some Mosquitoes in U.S.
Larvae of the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) fared well in a new study when fed a diet of corn or pine pollen. The findings suggest corn pollen could help the species— key vector of West Nile virus in the U.S.—thrive in habitats near agricultural areas.

Designing, Producing, and Communicating Effective Scientific Graphical Abstracts
Graphical abstracts are increasingly vital to research publishing, but many entomologists have not been trained in creating them. Learn the fundamentals of graphical abstracts and get some advice from experts in this recap of a workshop hosted by the ESA Student Affairs Committee at the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of ESA, ESC, and ESBC.

Finding Pheromones: How One Entomologist Puts Discoveries to Work in Pest Management
Meet Jacqueline Serrano, Ph.D., entomologist and chemical ecologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.

In Defense of Clothes Moths, Marvels of Evolution
Though they cause headaches for dining on your wardrobe, webbing clothes moths are unique creatures with fascinating specialized biology. They can eat hair and metabolize their own water. They can chew through plastic and digest mercury. And that's not all. An entomologist studying these moths makes a case for appreciating their evolutionary feats.
Amazing Insects ›


In Defense of Clothes Moths, Marvels of Evolution
Though they cause headaches for dining on your wardrobe, webbing clothes moths are unique creatures with fascinating specialized biology. They can eat hair and metabolize their own water. They can chew through plastic and digest mercury. And that's not all. An entomologist studying these moths makes a case for appreciating their evolutionary feats.

Brown Widow Spiders’ Aggression Likely Driver of Black Widow Decline
Black widow spiders have earned a fearsome reputation for their venomous bite. But in parts of the southern U.S. these spiders have much to fear themselves—from spider relatives who really don't like their company. A new study shows that brown widow spiders, of a species in the same genus, have a striking propensity to seek out and kill nearby black widows.

Nitro-Nosh: Why Termites’ Molted Exoskeletons Never Go to Waste
Termites' wood-heavy diet offers little nitrogen, a critical nutrient for growth and reproduction. But their exoskeletons are nitrogen rich, and new research shows that eating shed exoskeletons after molting is a core strategy for recycling nitrogen throughout the termite colony and boosting the queen's egg-laying.

Insects Taste More Than Food and With More Than Mouths
From mouthparts and antennae to legs, wings, and even ovipositors—insects taste with a host of body parts that far outpaces mere tongues. A new review in Annals of the Entomological Society of America tallies tasting techniques in insects and finds a line of research ripe for deeper exploration.
Science Policy and Outreach ›


Board Game Teaches the Challenges, Uncertainty of IPM
A group of entomologists developed the board game Pest Quest to bring to life the complex agricultural scenarios and decision-making inherent in integrated pest management. Learn how the game was developed and try it yourself through a new article published in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management.

Insect Science Interpreted: Meet the Honorees of ESA’s 2022 Science Communication Award
A university's massive open online course on entomology and one researcher's dedication to sharing insect science in her native language earned honors in the Entomological Society of America's second annual award recognizing excellence in science communication.

How a CDC Internship Set One Student’s Sights on Entomology
Through ESA and the CDC's Public Health Entomology for All program, Tess Brown gained hands-on experience working with mosquitoes and learning about vector-borne disease research. The senior at Southern University and A&M College now plans to pursue insect science in grad school.

Catch a Glimpse of Caterpillars During National Moth Week
The 11th annual National Moth Week begins July 23, with a theme this year highlighting the small but mighty caterpillar. Take a moment to learn more about the larvae of Lepidoptera and their fascinating forms, habitats, and behaviors.
Research News ›


Plant Pollen May Be Important Food Source for Some Mosquitoes in U.S.
Larvae of the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) fared well in a new study when fed a diet of corn or pine pollen. The findings suggest corn pollen could help the species— key vector of West Nile virus in the U.S.—thrive in habitats near agricultural areas.

Fungus Species Found Infecting Moth Pest of Chinese Fir Trees
Several species of fungus in the genus Fusarium are known to infect insects, while some also infect plants. Researchers in China report the first observation of the species Fusarium concentricum infecting an insect—in this case a key moth pest of Chinese fir trees.

Is This Non-Native Mason Bee an Invasive Species?
What makes a non-native species "invasive"? And can a typically beneficial insect like a bee be deemed a threat to native species? Researchers explore these questions in a new review of the expansion of the non-native mason bee Osmia taurus since its U.S. arrival in 2002 and its effects on closely related native species.

Brown Widow Spiders’ Aggression Likely Driver of Black Widow Decline
Black widow spiders have earned a fearsome reputation for their venomous bite. But in parts of the southern U.S. these spiders have much to fear themselves—from spider relatives who really don't like their company. A new study shows that brown widow spiders, of a species in the same genus, have a striking propensity to seek out and kill nearby black widows.
The Entomology Profession ›


Finding Pheromones: How One Entomologist Puts Discoveries to Work in Pest Management
Meet Jacqueline Serrano, Ph.D., entomologist and chemical ecologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.

Survey Details Integrated Pest Management Adoption, Challenges in U.S.
A survey of state integrated pest management coordinators shows positive signs of IPM uptake in agricultural settings, but common barriers remain. In general, the more profitable, testable, and understandable the practices, the more likely growers are to adopt them.

Entomology Students: Know Your Opportunities to Get Involved at ESA
As entomology students learn their science, they also must learn to navigate their profession. Opportunities abound for volunteering, engagement, and networking through the Entomological Society of America.

How One Entomologist Turns Biological Control Into Real-World Results
Meet Nicole Quinn, Ph.D., entomologist at the University of Florida, expert in insect biological control, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
In Defense of Clothes Moths, Marvels of Evolution
Though they cause headaches for dining on your wardrobe, webbing clothes moths are unique creatures with fascinating specialized biology. They can eat hair and metabolize their own water. They can chew through plastic and digest mercury. And that’s not all. An entomologist studying these moths makes a case for appreciating their evolutionary feats.
Sunflowers Linked to Reduced Varroa Mite Infestations in Honey Bees
A new study indicates a benefit to honey bees of local sunflower cropland. Even low levels of sunflower acreage nearby correlate with reduced Varroa mite infestation in managed colonies, researchers found, and supplemental sunflower pollen helps ward off the mites, as well.
America’s Next Top Entomology Outreach Model
At education and outreach events, University of Wisconsin entomologists have recruited a pair of mannequins as life-size visual aids for people to practice checking for ticks.
Entomological Vase Earns First Place in Art Show at 2022 Joint Annual Meeting
See the ceramic vase featuring dozens of insects that wowed attendees at the juried art show at the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America, Canada, and British Columbia in November—and meet Sarah Ritchie, the artist behind the creation.
Is This Non-Native Mason Bee an Invasive Species?
What makes a non-native species "invasive"? And can a typically beneficial insect like a bee be deemed a threat to native species? Researchers explore these questions in a new review of the expansion of the non-native mason bee Osmia taurus since its U.S. arrival in 2002 and its effects on closely related native species.
Single Mow of Park Trails Not Enough to Reduce Ticks
Mowing has been recommended for managing ticks where people tread, but a new study suggests that a single mow of park trails in early summer isn't enough to reduce prevalence of blacklegged and American dog ticks.
Supporting Pollinator Habitats Through Operation Pollinator
Sponsored post: Biodiversity is essential for effective crop production and the health of our natural resources. Ensuring a sustainable food supply requires each of us to play a role in preserving our land and protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects and animals. Syngenta understands the importance of the interconnectedness of agriculture and nature and is committed to helping biodiversity flourish.
Insects Taste More Than Food and With More Than Mouths
From mouthparts and antennae to legs, wings, and even ovipositors—insects taste with a host of body parts that far outpaces mere tongues. A new review in Annals of the Entomological Society of America tallies tasting techniques in insects and finds a line of research ripe for deeper exploration.
Nitro-Nosh: Why Termites’ Molted Exoskeletons Never Go to Waste
Termites' wood-heavy diet offers little nitrogen, a critical nutrient for growth and reproduction. But their exoskeletons are nitrogen rich, and new research shows that eating shed exoskeletons after molting is a core strategy for recycling nitrogen throughout the termite colony and boosting the queen's egg-laying.