The Bugs and the Bees: A Guide to Entomology Outreach, Even During a Pandemic
Entomology graduate students can be important champions for insect science in the public realm. Here's a beginner's guide to engaging audiences both young and old in insect education, even during our current era of social distancing.
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Interdisciplinary Project Engages Design Students in Promoting IPM
A new paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management reports on an interdisciplinary collaboration between one university's IPM and design programs to develop new ideas for promoting and educating stakeholders on the value of integrated pest management.
How One Entomologist Found Her Place in Public Health
Meet Natasha Agramonte, Ph.D., medical entomologist, mosquito expert, past Bill Nye TV-show guest, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
A Complicated Compilation of Hungry Caterpillars on Bt Maize in Africa
On smallholder farms using Bt maize in Africa, the combination of reduced field size and multiple pests presents challenges to insecticide resistance management. A new report in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management offers recommendations for best practices.
Rice Root Aphid: An Insect Surprise on Indoor-Grown Cannabis
A widespread pest known best for infesting grain crops, the rice root aphid has emerged as a leading pest of indoor-grown cannabis crops. A new article in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management takes a closer look.
New Study Reveals Natural Enemies of Fall Armyworm in Both Asia and Africa
In the response to the fall armyworm's arrival in Africa and Asia, researchers have now identified parasitoid wasp species serving as natural enemies of the crop pest on both continents.
Pest Management in Deer Farming: First Steps Toward Best Practices
A new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management details the top pest-management concerns and practices in the relatively new deer farming industry in the United States.
Unexpected Treasure: The Entomological Value of Bycatch Examination
The research director of a busy mosquito control district reports on the scientific discoveries made over years of examining bycatch in mosquito surveillance traps—and makes the case for bycatch as an underutilized resource with the potential to fill knowledge gaps that impede invertebrate conservation efforts.
Long-Distance Palm Weevil Flyers Threaten California Date Palms
Lab testing of the flight capability of the weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum shows some "super-flyers" can fly more than 100 kilometers in 24 hours. With the species appearing recently on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, the findings are a concern for California's $100 million date palm industry.
Birds, Bugs, and Agriculture: Is It a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird?
Do birds benefit crops by eating pest insects? Or are birds the pests for eating those very crops themselves? A new review in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management examines the latest science on understanding how birds impact farm fields and how they factor into IPM programs.
How One Aspiring Scientist is Following in Her Father’s Footsteps
Suchitra Dara got an early look at a career in science while helping out in her father's entomology lab during her K-12 years. Now the soon-to-be college student reflects on how that experience shaped her future aspirations and says hands-on science experiences could guide more young students along the path to STEM careers.
Is That a Gall Wasp? Now You Can Find Out
A new key to Cynipoidea, a superfamily of at least 3,000 species of wasps, published in the journal Insect Systematics and Diversity, promises to open up new avenues for research on and management of gall wasps and their relatives.
Rednecked Peanutworm: New Guide Examines Management Options for Peanut Pest
The rednecked peanutworm is the main lepidopteran pest in South and Central American peanut fields. A new profile in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management shares biology, management options, and new research needed for the pest species.
How Graduate Students Can Advocate for a Healthier Academic Culture
In entomology and other STEM fields, graduate students face a demanding academic work culture that can become toxic in its "productivity at all costs" mentality. Here's how graduate students can advocate a healthier academic culture at their institutions.
Open Entomology: Tips and Tools for Better Reproducibility in Your Research
Practicing open-science methods makes your research more transparent and reproducible, and it can make your own work easier, too. Check out these tips for incorporating open-science tools into your work, and see some examples in the new Open Entomology articles in the Journal of Insect Science.
How a Molecular Biologist Found Her Way to Insect Science
Meet Priyanka Mittapelly, Ph.D., postdoctoral research associate at USDA-APHIS, expert in molecular biology and plant-insect interactions, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Amazing Insects ›
Photographing Insects in the Field: Know Your Equipment
Two experienced insect macrophotographers share their tips for both entomologists and photography enthusiasts alike on how to select the right equipment to take great photos of insects and other arthropods in their natural settings.
Photographing Insects in the Field: Basic Tips for Success
Two experienced insect macrophotographers share their tips for both entomologists and photography enthusiasts alike to take better pictures of insects and other arthropods in their natural settings.
When a Mosquito Can’t Stop Drinking Blood, the Result Isn’t Pretty
An entomologist studying the biology of mosquito blood-feeding finds that a mosquito with a severed ventral nerve cord can't sense when it is full, and it will keep on feeding well beyond what its body can hold. Video captured by the researcher illustrates the results.
Study Details Mechanics of Flea Beetles’ Big Jumps
The tribe of leaf beetles known for their incredible jumping strength use a powerful catapult-like mechanism to spring away from looming predators. A team of Chinese and U.S. scientists illustrate the biomechanics of these beetles' jumps in a new study and say the findings could hold lessons for bio-inspired robotics.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
Learning at Home With Bugs
Stuck at home with kids because of COVID-19? Check out this list of suggestions from bug experts about what you can do to keep kids engaged and learning.
Building a Web of Connection: Spiders, Citizens, and Scientists
A look at a citizen-science effort to track an elusive purseweb spider in Pennsylvania offers lessons for entomologists on how to harness the power of citizen volunteers for research projects.
Fantastic Bugs and Where to Find Them (Hint: Chicago)
Entomologist Ryan Gott returns with another insect-attraction review, this time on the "Fantastic Bug Encounters!" exhibit at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, which showcases the diversity of arthropods, the mysteries of their habits, and their ingenious adaptations.
Filming Insects in 4K: A Look Inside KQED’s Deep Look Video Series
On the award-winning web video series Deep Look, producers at San Francisco PBS affiliate KQED use macro cinematography and video microscopy to bring insects and other tiny things to life.
Research News ›
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Interdisciplinary Project Engages Design Students in Promoting IPM
A new paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management reports on an interdisciplinary collaboration between one university's IPM and design programs to develop new ideas for promoting and educating stakeholders on the value of integrated pest management.
A Complicated Compilation of Hungry Caterpillars on Bt Maize in Africa
On smallholder farms using Bt maize in Africa, the combination of reduced field size and multiple pests presents challenges to insecticide resistance management. A new report in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management offers recommendations for best practices.
Rice Root Aphid: An Insect Surprise on Indoor-Grown Cannabis
A widespread pest known best for infesting grain crops, the rice root aphid has emerged as a leading pest of indoor-grown cannabis crops. A new article in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management takes a closer look.
New Study Reveals Natural Enemies of Fall Armyworm in Both Asia and Africa
In the response to the fall armyworm's arrival in Africa and Asia, researchers have now identified parasitoid wasp species serving as natural enemies of the crop pest on both continents.
The Entomology Profession ›
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Interdisciplinary Project Engages Design Students in Promoting IPM
A new paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management reports on an interdisciplinary collaboration between one university's IPM and design programs to develop new ideas for promoting and educating stakeholders on the value of integrated pest management.
How One Entomologist Found Her Place in Public Health
Meet Natasha Agramonte, Ph.D., medical entomologist, mosquito expert, past Bill Nye TV-show guest, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Unexpected Treasure: The Entomological Value of Bycatch Examination
The research director of a busy mosquito control district reports on the scientific discoveries made over years of examining bycatch in mosquito surveillance traps—and makes the case for bycatch as an underutilized resource with the potential to fill knowledge gaps that impede invertebrate conservation efforts.
How One Aspiring Scientist is Following in Her Father’s Footsteps
Suchitra Dara got an early look at a career in science while helping out in her father's entomology lab during her K-12 years. Now the soon-to-be college student reflects on how that experience shaped her future aspirations and says hands-on science experiences could guide more young students along the path to STEM careers.
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IPM Lessons From the Quest to Contain New Zealand’s Worst Vertebrate Pest
A new case study in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management examines management of the brushtail possum, a major vertebrate pest in New Zealand, and the IPM lessons to be learned from those efforts.
How Graduate Students Can Advocate for a Healthier Academic Culture
In entomology and other STEM fields, graduate students face a demanding academic work culture that can become toxic in its "productivity at all costs" mentality. Here's how graduate students can advocate a healthier academic culture at their institutions.
Unexpected Treasure: The Entomological Value of Bycatch Examination
The research director of a busy mosquito control district reports on the scientific discoveries made over years of examining bycatch in mosquito surveillance traps—and makes the case for bycatch as an underutilized resource with the potential to fill knowledge gaps that impede invertebrate conservation efforts.
“Go Pick Up a Mite!” Two Cents From an Acarologist and His Love for Mites
Meet Ray Fisher, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arkansas, expert in mite systematics, avid naturalist, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Here We Go Again: Another Invasive Pest in Florida Citrus
The mealybug species Nipaecoccus viridis, known as the lebbeck mealybug, is originally from Asia and was first found in Florida back in 2009, but in late 2018 it was found infesting citrus groves in the state. The author of a new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management discusses the implications of its arrival and the management options that are currently available and under evaluation.
Lab Study Shows Asian Longhorned Tick Can Spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) can, at least under lab conditions, acquire and transmit the bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Gaga for Gum: Study Shows Sticky Mixture Distracts Fruit Fly Pest
A food-grade gum substance shows promise as a new tool for managing the invasive spotted-wing drosophila. The flies don't get stuck, but the scent interferes with their reproductive behavior, and the gum can last up to three weeks in the field.
Tick Surveillance and Control Lagging in U.S., Study Shows
The first-ever survey of the nation's tick-management programs reveals an inconsistent and often under-supported patchwork of programs across the country.
Open Entomology: Tips and Tools for Better Reproducibility in Your Research
Practicing open-science methods makes your research more transparent and reproducible, and it can make your own work easier, too. Check out these tips for incorporating open-science tools into your work, and see some examples in the new Open Entomology articles in the Journal of Insect Science.