Don’t Poop Where You Eat: Bee Defecation on Flowers May Explain Disease Transmission
In a recent study, flower shape played a role in defecation patterns for common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens). Researchers say this could reveal a disease transmission route affecting bee populations.
Study: More IPM Knowledge Could Help Leafy Amaranth Farmers in East Africa
Leafy amaranth contributes to farmers’ livelihoods and food security in East Africa. A new study points to a need for training in integrated pest management to help these farmers better manage insect pests.
Entomology on Screen: Q&A With the Directors of ‘The Love Bugs’
The documentary film about entomologists Charlie and Lois O'Brien, who donated their 1.25 million-specimen insect collection to Arizona State University in 2017, will be screened for attendees at Entomology 2019 in November. The film's directors spoke with Entomology Today about the documentary, the messages it shares, and what they learned about entomology along the way.
Spotted-Wing Drosophila: New Seasonal Activity Model Will Aid IPM Efforts
Seven years' worth of trapping data for the invasive spotted-wing drosophila in Michigan offer an enhanced view of the pest's seasonal activity and abundance patterns, a boon for fruit growers and integrated pest management pros in temperate regions.
Biological Control for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Where Do We Stand?
A new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management shows that a beetle species released into the wild as a natural enemy of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid appears to be successfully establishing in urban environments in addition to forest settings.
Spotted Lanternfly: Large Potential Range in U.S. and Beyond
A new study published today in the Journal of Economic Entomology models potential suitable habitat for the invasive spotted lanternfly and shows large swaths of the United States and beyond are likely to be vulnerable should the spotted lanternfly continue to spread.
How Ticks Hide in Plain Sight From Predatory Fire Ants
Though tick populations tend to decrease in areas where predatory ants are present, a new study reveals that it's not because the ants prey on the ticks. In fact, predatory ants such as fire ants ignore ticks completely.
Large-Scale Study Points to Simpler Trap for Monitoring Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Tested in more than 100 locations across the U.S., a clear sticky-panel trap proves effective in attracting brown marmorated stink bugs, putting an easier-to-use tool in the hands of growers and IPM professionals for monitoring populations of the invasive pest.
Did Two Florida Populations of Conehead Termites Arise From a Single Colonization Event?
Native to Central and South America, the conehead termite has been found in just two places in the United States: Dania Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida. A new genetic analysis of these two populations suggests they arose from a single invasion.
How to Find the Right Mentor for Your Entomology Career
At every career stage, we need mentors to help us improve our personal and professional skillsets and provide insights on areas such as research, teaching, time management, writing, and more. Entomology Ph.D. candidate Jocelyn Holt shares tips on how to find, identify, and begin a working relationship with a career mentor.
It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s an Ecological Field Study!
In a recent study in Germany, targeted delivery of insecticides by unmanned aerial vehicles was effective against oak processionary moths. Researchers say such drones are suitable for aerial spraying during field studies and may open new doors for "precision forestry."
West Nile Virus: Reflections on 20 Years in Pursuit of an Elusive Foe
The body of knowledge built since the arrival of West Nile virus in the Americas in 1999 is now powering efforts to minimize its impact and prepare for the invasion of other mosquito-borne diseases. A new special collection in the Journal of Medical Entomology takes stock of lessons learned and progress made over the past 20 years of West Nile virus research, surveillance, and control.
For Less Bee Bycatch, Leave Geraniol Out of Japanese Beetle Traps
New research shows traps with eugenol and phenethyl propionate—and leaving out geraniol—remain effective in catching Japanese beetles but significantly reduce bycatch of native bees. Plus, entirely green, brown, black, or red traps are least attractive to native bees.
An Entomologist’s Review of ‘Beetlejuice,’ the Musical
In the musical Broadway adaptation of Beetlejuice, insect cameos abound, but mostly to enhance the macabre theme, rather than as an independent topic, says entomologist Emily Bick.
Pecan Nut Casebearer: New Guide Provides IPM Options
Pecan is one of the few plants native to North America that is now an important horticultural crop. One of its most significant pests, however, is the pecan nut casebearer. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management profiles the pecan nut casebearer and outlines management methods for it.
What a Community in the Heartland Can Teach Us About Resistance Management
At the 2019 Science Policy Tour on collaborative approaches to resistance management, the Weed Science Society of America partnered with Entomological Society of America to share learnings from an Iowa demonstration project.
Amazing Insects ›
You Can Thank Insects for Many Human Inventions
Even in this digital age, we continue to extract ideas and materials from insects and their relatives. However, the challenge of today may be to avoid a strictly utilitarian view of other organisms, whereby a species is expendable if it cannot demonstrate economic value that can be measured in dollars.
How a Honey Bee’s Waggle is Inspiring Aerospace Design
Engineers may recognize the internal muscle structure of a honey bee abdomen for its resemblance to a Stewart platform, a mechanical device that enables six degrees of freedom in movement. Researchers who have found its natural equivalent in bees say the discovery is already informing their work in designing articulating nose cones for rockets.
Yellowjackets: A Look at Opportunistic Raiders of Honey Bee Hives
Yellowjackets are nuisance predators of honey bees, preying on them and pillaging their honey. But bees fight back, and healthy hives are rarely at risk. Learn more about yellowjackets, their interactions with bees, and what sets yellowjackets apart from hornets and other fellow wasps.
Meet the Mosquito With a Big Appetite—for Other Mosquitoes
The mosquito species Toxorhynchites rutilus is harmless to humans but is a voracious predator of other mosquitoes. Researchers in Houston, Texas, are hoping the "mosquito assassin" could be put into action as a tool for controlling mosquitoes that carry human pathogens—if they can find an efficient way to raise the predator mosquitoes in the lab.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
What a Community in the Heartland Can Teach Us About Resistance Management
At the 2019 Science Policy Tour on collaborative approaches to resistance management, the Weed Science Society of America partnered with Entomological Society of America to share learnings from an Iowa demonstration project.
The Power of Infographics to Illuminate Insect Science
Done well, infographics are a useful tool for engaging audiences that the entomological community doesn't usually reach. Here are a few great examples of entomology infographics and some inspiration for creating your own.
Watch the Four Finalist Videos in the 2019 YouTube Your Entomology Contest
Check out the four finalist videos in the Entomological Society of America's 2019 YouTube Your Entomology Contest. Winner, runner-up, and honorable mentions will be announced at Entomology 2019.
How to Host a Congressional Visit at Your Entomological Research Facility
Seeing is believing, and showing your legislators your science in an interactive, hands-on setting can inform them about how their decisions affect the systems and organisms entomologists care so much about.
Research News ›
Study: More IPM Knowledge Could Help Leafy Amaranth Farmers in East Africa
Leafy amaranth contributes to farmers’ livelihoods and food security in East Africa. A new study points to a need for training in integrated pest management to help these farmers better manage insect pests.
Spotted-Wing Drosophila: New Seasonal Activity Model Will Aid IPM Efforts
Seven years' worth of trapping data for the invasive spotted-wing drosophila in Michigan offer an enhanced view of the pest's seasonal activity and abundance patterns, a boon for fruit growers and integrated pest management pros in temperate regions.
Biological Control for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Where Do We Stand?
A new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management shows that a beetle species released into the wild as a natural enemy of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid appears to be successfully establishing in urban environments in addition to forest settings.
Spotted Lanternfly: Large Potential Range in U.S. and Beyond
A new study published today in the Journal of Economic Entomology models potential suitable habitat for the invasive spotted lanternfly and shows large swaths of the United States and beyond are likely to be vulnerable should the spotted lanternfly continue to spread.
The Entomology Profession ›
Entomology on Screen: Q&A With the Directors of ‘The Love Bugs’
The documentary film about entomologists Charlie and Lois O'Brien, who donated their 1.25 million-specimen insect collection to Arizona State University in 2017, will be screened for attendees at Entomology 2019 in November. The film's directors spoke with Entomology Today about the documentary, the messages it shares, and what they learned about entomology along the way.
How to Find the Right Mentor for Your Entomology Career
At every career stage, we need mentors to help us improve our personal and professional skillsets and provide insights on areas such as research, teaching, time management, writing, and more. Entomology Ph.D. candidate Jocelyn Holt shares tips on how to find, identify, and begin a working relationship with a career mentor.
An Entomologist’s Review of ‘Beetlejuice,’ the Musical
In the musical Broadway adaptation of Beetlejuice, insect cameos abound, but mostly to enhance the macabre theme, rather than as an independent topic, says entomologist Emily Bick.
How a Childhood Project Inspired a Life-Long Career
Meet Michael Skvarla, Ph.D., extension entomologist and director of the Insect Identification Laboratory at Penn State University, whose career path began with a Cub Scout insect-collection project. Skvarla is the subject of the next edition of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
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Large-Scale Study Points to Simpler Trap for Monitoring Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Tested in more than 100 locations across the U.S., a clear sticky-panel trap proves effective in attracting brown marmorated stink bugs, putting an easier-to-use tool in the hands of growers and IPM professionals for monitoring populations of the invasive pest.
Fatal Attraction: A Novel Solution to the Problem of Asian Citrus Psyllid on Residential Citrus
In many areas where the Asian citrus psyllid spreads citrus greening disease to commercial groves, it can evade control efforts by infesting residential citrus trees. A new attract-and-kill device, however, is being evaluated for managing psyllids on citrus in residential areas.
Did Two Florida Populations of Conehead Termites Arise From a Single Colonization Event?
Native to Central and South America, the conehead termite has been found in just two places in the United States: Dania Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida. A new genetic analysis of these two populations suggests they arose from a single invasion.
Soil Ecology: Critical But Understudied in the Fight Against Ticks
In many tick species, more than three-quarters of their lives are spent off-host in the soil or among the leaf litter. A research team at Cornell University highlights an important opportunity for tick researchers and soil ecologists to collaborate to better understand what happens when the ticks aren't in contact with hosts.
As a Watershed is Urbanized, Damselflies Show Declines
A study along a river in Central Mexico finds Hetaerina americana damselflies in reduced numbers after a decline in vegetation the addition of wastewater outlets. Researchers say the decline illustrates the impact of human land use on natural ecosystems.
15 Ways to Advocate for Entomology at the Local and State Level
National issues get the lion's share of attention, but local and state policy is just as important to citizens within any given community. Here are 15 tips for entomologists looking to advocate for their science in their own communities.
Impact of Invasive Japanese Barberry Cascades Through Local Food Webs
Dense thickets of invasive Japanese barberry significantly reduce the diversity and numbers of insects and arthropods in forests, according to new research. The ripple effects can extend upward throughout local ecosystems, even affecting human health via an increased presence of Lyme disease.
Watch the Four Finalist Videos in the 2019 YouTube Your Entomology Contest
Check out the four finalist videos in the Entomological Society of America's 2019 YouTube Your Entomology Contest. Winner, runner-up, and honorable mentions will be announced at Entomology 2019.
Biological Control for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Where Do We Stand?
A new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management shows that a beetle species released into the wild as a natural enemy of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid appears to be successfully establishing in urban environments in addition to forest settings.