Black Fig Fly: A New Invasive Pest in California
Black fig fly is a specialized pest of figs native to the Mediterranean region and first reported in the U.S. in 2021, in southern California. This fly is a threat to commercial fig production, and while little is known about it, researchers are now working to improve our knowledge of black fig fly ecology and management.
Molecular Data Shine Light on Dark Taxa of Megaselia Flies
DNA barcoding reveals that phorid fly species Megaselia sulphurizona comprises at least 16 species. Researchers say their findings may be just the tip of the iceberg of cryptic biodiversity in Megaselia flies.
New Guide Charts Path to Improved IPM for Fly Pests of Cattle
The current state of managing fly pests in livestock reveals a need for better understanding of underlying economics. A group of researchers in veterinary entomology, agricultural economics, and population modeling outline what's needed to build a transdisciplinary IPM approach for controlling flies in animal production.
The Role of Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans in IPM Data
Hosted by the National IPM Database but perhaps underutilized, Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans offer a treasure trove of guidance for growers and integrated pest management pros. Learn more about these important IPM resources.
Amazing Insects ›
Hidden Diversity: When One Wasp Species is Actually 16
A tiny parasitoid wasp species, long considered a generalist with more than 65 different host species, is revealed in a new study to actually comprise at least 16 different species, identical in appearance but genetically distinct.
Insects on a Plane: How Eusocial Ants, Bees, and Wasps Deal With Viruses
A new review looks at innate immunity and superorganism-level social immunity as defenses against immune challenge by viruses in eusocial ants, bees, and wasps.
Heroes, Not Headaches: Reframing the Reputation of Harvester Ants
Dated perceptions of harvester ants as pests of crops and rangelands have been replaced with new understandings of the myriad beneficial roles they play in their native ecosystems.
How to Become a Vulture and Not Die Trying: Following Tropical Bees and Their Gut Microbes
Meat-eating bees made the news in late 2021, after a study examined the unique gut microbiomes of these unusual species.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
U.S. Policy Leaves Country Vulnerable to Arthropod-Borne Diseases
A new study highlights problems with current government policy for managing vector-borne disease and the insects and arthropods that carry them and offers several recommendations for improvement.
The Unique Challenges of Responding to Desert Locust Outbreaks
The recent plague of desert locusts in Africa and the Middle East cost $1.3 billion in damage in 23 countries. A report from Pakistan describes the difficult logistical and social hurdles to adequately managing this fast-moving entomological threat.
New Project Aims to Build Equity for Indigenous Scholars in Biological Sciences
Science societies including the Entomological Society of America are partnering on a new project funded by the National Science Foundation to address the underrepresentation of Native Americans in biological sciences.
Why Augmentative Biological Control Holds Promise for Advancing Agriculture in Developing Countries
Numerous examples show the success of augmentative biological control efforts. With adequate support and capacity building in place, the approach can be economical and make agricultural systems more sustainable and improve the human and institutional capacity of developing countries.
Research News ›
Molecular Data Shine Light on Dark Taxa of Megaselia Flies
DNA barcoding reveals that phorid fly species Megaselia sulphurizona comprises at least 16 species. Researchers say their findings may be just the tip of the iceberg of cryptic biodiversity in Megaselia flies.
New Guide Charts Path to Improved IPM for Fly Pests of Cattle
The current state of managing fly pests in livestock reveals a need for better understanding of underlying economics. A group of researchers in veterinary entomology, agricultural economics, and population modeling outline what's needed to build a transdisciplinary IPM approach for controlling flies in animal production.
A New, Colorful Way to Attract Pollinators to Crops
Could specialty cut flowers grown in high tunnels attract pollinators to nearby agricultural crops—and provide growers with a supplemental income source? A research team in Wyoming finds promising results.
Byproduct of Biofuel Production Shows Potential for Insect Pest Management
What if we could use byproducts from biofuel production as new insect pest management tools—to make both energy and food production more sustainable? New research shows this vision is well within reach.
The Entomology Profession ›
New Guide Charts Path to Improved IPM for Fly Pests of Cattle
The current state of managing fly pests in livestock reveals a need for better understanding of underlying economics. A group of researchers in veterinary entomology, agricultural economics, and population modeling outline what's needed to build a transdisciplinary IPM approach for controlling flies in animal production.
The Role of Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans in IPM Data
Hosted by the National IPM Database but perhaps underutilized, Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans offer a treasure trove of guidance for growers and integrated pest management pros. Learn more about these important IPM resources.
Mosquito Management in the Era of Extreme Weather
As climate change drives weather trends like intense hurricane seasons, even regions as far north as New England are seeing changes in mosquito populations. A Massachusetts mosquito-control entomologist shares her experience.
How Catching Insects Turned an Engineer Into an Entomologist
Meet Manpreet Kohli, Ph.D., entomologist and evolutionary biologist at the American Museum of Natural History, former engineering major, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
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Meet the Committee Working to Grow the Next Generation of Entomologists
Undergraduate and graduate students in entomology and related fields are a vital subset of ESA members, and much of what ESA offers students is developed and designed by student volunteers. Learn more about ESA’s Student Affairs Committee, various student activities, and how you can get involved.
Byproduct of Biofuel Production Shows Potential for Insect Pest Management
What if we could use byproducts from biofuel production as new insect pest management tools—to make both energy and food production more sustainable? New research shows this vision is well within reach.
The Mothers of Entomological History: Reflecting on Who We Honor and How We Do It
Numerous entomologists of the past are dubbed "fathers" of particular subfields, but where are all the "mothers" in our insect science textbooks? It's time to address this historical bias with a look at several founding women in entomology—and a conversation about how we choose to honor leaders in our field.
How a PCR Test (and Some Mouthwash) Could Nab an Invasive Fruit Fly
Detecting the presence of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila could soon get easier with a new molecular test for analyzing DNA in bulk trapping samples—sensitive enough to sniff out just one target fruit fly in a sample of 2,000. And the best liquid for preserving trapped flies' DNA comes from the dental-care shelf.
Tobacco Thrips: Tiny Insects With a Big Impact on Georgia Peanut Production
Tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca) also have a taste for peanut, and they spread the plant virus causing spotted wilt disease. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management details the biology and management of tobacco thrips in peanut crops.
How Catching Insects Turned an Engineer Into an Entomologist
Meet Manpreet Kohli, Ph.D., entomologist and evolutionary biologist at the American Museum of Natural History, former engineering major, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Lone Star Tick: Why Land Management (Not Just Climate Change) is Driving Boom
Warmer winters are allowing lone star tick populations to expand northward in the U.S., but a new analysis of historical trends argues land management and deer numbers are the primary factors.
Study Sheds Light on Origins of Unique Silkworm Strain
Dubbed a "living fossil" by researchers, the Yao silkworm has been domesticated in virtual isolation for a millennium by the Baiku Yao ethnic group in China. New genetic research on the strain finds that the Yao silkworm is a primitive form of the domestic silkworm species Bombyx mori and more distantly related to other wild silkworm species.
Urban Pollinators: Opportunities and Challenges for Conservation
In urban settings, plant selection and landscape maintenance play a critical role in pollinator populations and the preservation of essential ecosystem services. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management reviews case studies and identifies opportunities for future study and action in urban pollinator conservation.