Could NFTs Fund the Discovery of New Insect Species?
An entomologist envisions a future in which non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could drive collecting of 3D virtual models of insect holotype specimens, thereby subsidizing increased digitization of entomological collections and discovery of new species.
What Explains the Genetic Diversity of an Iberian Grasshopper? Ice, Ice, Baby
High-throughput sequencing data reveals that the genetic makeup of the grasshopper Omocestus panteli is best explained by fragmentation during the last ice age.
Not So Fast! International Biosecurity Program Succeeds in Preventing Spread of Invasive Moth
The moth Lymantria dispar asiatica has been unintentionally introduced to North America several times in the last few decades. Through a complex monitoring and management program, officials have been able to prevent this pest from establishing in North American forests. A new report in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management gives an inside look at this success.
How Flea-Killing Fungus Could Keep Prairie Dogs From Spreading Plague
Prairie dogs in the western U.S. can carry the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, and their fleas play a primary role in spreading it among prairie dogs and to other animals. A group of scientists say insect-pathogenic fungi that target those fleas could be a useful tool in interrupting that transmission route.
Amazing Insects ›
The 2021 Brood X Cicada Emergence: A Recap
When the world's largest brood of 17-year periodical cicadas rose from the ground in spring 2021, the eastern U.S. (and beyond) was ready. Half a million crowdsourced observations later, the entomologists who followed the Brood X 2021 emergence reflect on the experience.
New Citizen-Science Project Explores Little-Known Behavior in Monarch Butterflies
Think you know monarch butterflies? Think again! A gardener's observation has spurred a new study examining how and when monarchs feed on plants rich in compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Surprisingly little is known about the behavior, and researchers are asking citizen scientists for help to learn more.
Superworms: The Bigger, Brawnier, Hungrier Cousins of Yellow Mealworms
Larvae of the darkling beetle species Zophobas morio have earned the nickname "superworms" for their larger size and increased nutritional potential as food and feed compared to yellow mealworms. And yet less research and regulatory consideration has focused on Z. morio, something a pair of researchers in Greece hope to change.
Brood’s Clues: New Mapping Approach Puts Cicadas in Focus
More than 20 broods of periodical cicadas inhabit the eastern United States, and researchers are refining their mapping of brood ranges with increasing precision at every new emergence. A new report in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America details new advances in mapping cicadas from researchers who studied Brood VI in 2000 and 2017.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
IPM Packages Streamline Crop-Pest Solutions in Developing Countries
Integrated pest management pros working in developing countries are finding success with IPM "packages," which bundle a range of solutions for multiple crop pest issues, from the time of soil preparation to harvest and tailored to local conditions—making IPM adoption easier for farmers with limited training or resources.
Pollinator Conservation on Solar Farms: The Entomology Perspective
Amid the steady growth of solar energy production in the United States, pollinator conservation at solar installations has become an appealing secondary pursuit, but the long-term success of such efforts remains to be seen. In a new article published today in the journal Environmental Entomology, a group of entomologists say pairing solar energy with pollinator habitat offers great promise, but scientific evaluation and meaningful standards will be key to making it a true win-win combination.
Got Cicadas? Take a Picture and Help Entomologists Map Their Arrival
Scientists are looking to the public for help in mapping 17-year cicadas in the massive Brood X due to emerge from the ground this spring in the eastern U.S. The citizen-science effort, powered by a smartphone app, could generate the biggest-ever observation data set in the history of cicada research. Here's how you can participate.
Planting a Tree? Choose a Native Species and Save Some Insects
Every invasive tree in the United States was intentionally introduced, and these plants often out-compete native plants while negatively affecting insects and other animals that depend on native species. You can do your part to help insects and protect local ecosystems by choosing native plants in your landscaping plans.
Research News ›
What Explains the Genetic Diversity of an Iberian Grasshopper? Ice, Ice, Baby
High-throughput sequencing data reveals that the genetic makeup of the grasshopper Omocestus panteli is best explained by fragmentation during the last ice age.
Not So Fast! International Biosecurity Program Succeeds in Preventing Spread of Invasive Moth
The moth Lymantria dispar asiatica has been unintentionally introduced to North America several times in the last few decades. Through a complex monitoring and management program, officials have been able to prevent this pest from establishing in North American forests. A new report in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management gives an inside look at this success.
How Flea-Killing Fungus Could Keep Prairie Dogs From Spreading Plague
Prairie dogs in the western U.S. can carry the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, and their fleas play a primary role in spreading it among prairie dogs and to other animals. A group of scientists say insect-pathogenic fungi that target those fleas could be a useful tool in interrupting that transmission route.
P.M. Pollinators: Study Shines Light on Nocturnal Insects’ Role in Apple Production
A study on apple pollination highlights the valuable role that moths and other nocturnal insects play in pollinating crops and other plants.
The Entomology Profession ›
Not So Fast! International Biosecurity Program Succeeds in Preventing Spread of Invasive Moth
The moth Lymantria dispar asiatica has been unintentionally introduced to North America several times in the last few decades. Through a complex monitoring and management program, officials have been able to prevent this pest from establishing in North American forests. A new report in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management gives an inside look at this success.
Data Science in Entomology: A Students’ Guide for Tackling Big Data
Advances in technology have made analyzing large data sets ever more accessible—but there's still a steep learning curve. A graduate student in entomology shares her lessons learned for students getting started in data science.
How One Entomologist is Breaking Barriers in Crop Protection
Meet Adekunle Adesanya, Ph.D., field scientist at Corteva Agriscience, expert in twospotted spider mites, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Is the ESA Proposed Bylaws Change a Good Idea?
An emeritus professor of entomology and past board member of ESA questions the wisdom of a proposed amendment to the Society's Bylaws.
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Study Identifies Areas in U.S. Most Suitable for Invasive Giant Hornet
A team of researchers at Montana State University analyzed environmental and habitat conditions across four states in the Pacific Northwest to create a county-by-county risk rating for establishment of the invasive giant hornet Vespa mandarinia.
Passion or Profession? Mid-Career Reflections of a Medical Entomologist
Ary Faraji, Ph.D., BCE, traces his career arc from class clown to executive director of a major metropolitan mosquito control district. He credits his success to a willingness to take on new challenges, a focus on teamwork, and a passion for entomological adventures. Read Ary's story and find out his advice for success in medical entomology.
Reference Generators: An Entomology Student’s Review
As entomology students advance toward their degrees, the reference sections of their research papers grow and grow with each new project. One entomology graduate student tested out two free reference generator programs and offers her review of each.
New Citizen-Science Project Explores Little-Known Behavior in Monarch Butterflies
Think you know monarch butterflies? Think again! A gardener's observation has spurred a new study examining how and when monarchs feed on plants rich in compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Surprisingly little is known about the behavior, and researchers are asking citizen scientists for help to learn more.
Colonialism in Entomology: How a Historical Problem Persists Today
Historical and ongoing practices by scientists in the Global North have extracted scientific knowledge and resources from communities in the Global South, leaving scientists there at a great disadvantage to pursue their work—and their valuable perspectives absent from professional scientific discourse. A group of entomologists explain how colonialism impacts entomology and the actions that could work to more equitably distribute access to insect science.
New Study Revisits 2013 Pesticide Bee Kill in Oregon
In June 2013, a pesticide application on ornamental trees in a shopping-center parking lot in Wilsonville, Oregon, led to the largest documented mass fatality of bumble bees in North America. A new analysis of the incident estimates more than 100,000 bees from nearly 600 colonies were killed, which researchers cite as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pesticides to native bee populations.
Inch by Inch, Fall Cankerworms Will Eat Your Trees
The fall cankerworm is a common, native defoliator of hardwood trees throughout North America. Prone to outbreaks, this insect can cause severe damage on trees and be a public nuisance. Landscape-level management is rarely necessary, but control measures may be worthwhile on individual trees.
Data Science in Entomology: A Students’ Guide for Tackling Big Data
Advances in technology have made analyzing large data sets ever more accessible—but there's still a steep learning curve. A graduate student in entomology shares her lessons learned for students getting started in data science.
How Flea-Killing Fungus Could Keep Prairie Dogs From Spreading Plague
Prairie dogs in the western U.S. can carry the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, and their fleas play a primary role in spreading it among prairie dogs and to other animals. A group of scientists say insect-pathogenic fungi that target those fleas could be a useful tool in interrupting that transmission route.