Native American Heritage Month: Publications Showcase
Learn more about the work of several Native American entomologists, as we mark the close of National Native American Heritage Month.
New Container Aids in Biocontrol of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Researchers deploying predator insects to attack an invasive forest pest need to monitor how well those predators' populations are growing. A new specially designed container speeds up that work by collecting and separating two different predator species at the same time.
Researchers Use Simulation Model to Optimize Delimitation Trapping Surveys
When an invasive insect appears, responders must quickly set monitoring traps in the area to determine the extent of the pest outbreak. A collaboration between USDA-APHIS and USDA-ARS is working to improve such delimitation trapping survey designs and will publish new guidelines after field experiments are completed later this year.
From Classroom to Application: How One Entomologist Found Her Calling in Urban Entomology
Meet Jamora Hamilton, Ph.D., expert in cockroach management and urban entomology and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Amazing Insects ›
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 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.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
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.
Entomology to the Masses: Meet the Winners of ESA’s Inaugural Science Communication Award
A grade-school curriculum using arthropods as a channel for social-emotional learning and a weekly, interactive entomology webcast earned honors in the Entomological Society of America's first annual award recognizing excellence in science communication.
The Promise—and Limits—of Bt Maize to Manage Fall Armyworm in Africa
As fall armyworm continues to threaten food security in Africa, the use of Bt maize offers significant potential to manage the pest. But it will be critical to manage resistance via multi-toxin crop varieties and appropriate use of refuge planting—all in forms accessible to the smallholder farmers that grow nearly all of Africa's maize.
A Case for Preservation: The Value and Constraints of Maintaining Insect Collections in Developing Countries
Insect collections play a critical role in recording biodiversity, recognizing and managing invasive species, addressing crop pests, and more. Developing countries could benefit the most from insect collections but often have few such resources. Experts in the field highlight the critical need for building insect collections around the world.
Research News ›
New Container Aids in Biocontrol of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Researchers deploying predator insects to attack an invasive forest pest need to monitor how well those predators' populations are growing. A new specially designed container speeds up that work by collecting and separating two different predator species at the same time.
Researchers Use Simulation Model to Optimize Delimitation Trapping Surveys
When an invasive insect appears, responders must quickly set monitoring traps in the area to determine the extent of the pest outbreak. A collaboration between USDA-APHIS and USDA-ARS is working to improve such delimitation trapping survey designs and will publish new guidelines after field experiments are completed later this year.
Clues in the Clay: Decoy Insect Larvae Reveal Predator Presence in Turfgrass
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying how clay models of caterpillars and other insect larvae can attract predator insects and arthropods in turfgrass and reveal their presence by the marks they leave behind. Their latest study fine-tunes the method by evaluating the colors, shapes, and sizes of the decoys that work best.
In a New Study, Spring Forest Bees Get Their Due
Wild bees that live primarily in forests are an understudied group, but new research sheds light on the ecology of bee species that do much of the spring pollination work in woodlands.
The Entomology Profession ›
From Classroom to Application: How One Entomologist Found Her Calling in Urban Entomology
Meet Jamora Hamilton, Ph.D., expert in cockroach management and urban entomology and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
ICYMI: Highlights From Entomology 2021
The in-person portion of Entomology 2021 wrapped up two weeks ago, while virtual content remains available through January. Have a look at highlights from the event, featuring photos from Denver, social media reactions, and more.
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.
A Guide to Conducting Research on Commercial Farms: Advantages and Challenges
Graduate students in entomology often conduct research on commercial farms during their degree programs. This experience can be valuable for a variety of career paths, both within and beyond agricultural settings. Here's a look at some of the benefits of conducting on-farm research and tips for overcoming challenges, as well.
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New Container Aids in Biocontrol of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Researchers deploying predator insects to attack an invasive forest pest need to monitor how well those predators’ populations are growing. A new specially designed container speeds up that work by collecting and separating two different predator species at the same time.
Can Honey Bees Survive Varroa Mites? The Challenges, the Tactics, the Future
More than 30 years after arriving in the U.S., Varroa mites remain the leading pest of honey bees. A new article in the Journal of Insect Science takes a comprehensive look at integrated pest management of Varroa mites and the prospects for new tools and solutions to reduce honey bee losses.
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.
Back-Seat Driver: The Parasite That Makes Bees Drop Off Its Babies
An insect that specializes in parasitizing bees changes its host's behavior to visit flowers and curl its body to deposit the parasite's larvae. The apparent "mind control" is another example of the unique lives of strepsipterans, or twisted wing insects.
Male Mosquitoes Don’t Want Your Blood, But They Still Find You Very Attractive
A new study shows that male mosquitoes hover near humans but tend not to land or bite—a behavior researchers suspect is a tactic for finding female mates.
Clues in the Clay: Decoy Insect Larvae Reveal Predator Presence in Turfgrass
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying how clay models of caterpillars and other insect larvae can attract predator insects and arthropods in turfgrass and reveal their presence by the marks they leave behind. Their latest study fine-tunes the method by evaluating the colors, shapes, and sizes of the decoys that work best.
A Budding Problem: Managing Corn Earworm in Commercial Hemp Production
The corn earworm is an emerging pest of commercial hemp production throughout the U.S. Boring through stalks and feeding on reproductive structures, this pest presents several management challenges for hemp producers. While integrated pest management strategies for more traditional agricultural crops are established, much work is still needed to develop effective IPM for the corn earworm in hemp.
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.
A Tale of Two Pollinators: More Evidence of Neonicotinoids’ Effect on Wild Bees
Separate studies on bumble bees and mason bees exposed to imidacloprid add to the body of evidence that wild bees may be particularly vulnerable to neonicotinoid insecticides.