Pea Aphid in Pulse Crops: New Guide Outlines IPM Options
In the United States, the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) has a broad host range and is a serious concern for commercial pulse producers, especially in the Pacific Northwest region. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management examines pea aphid biology and ecology, as well as various management practices.
How Mitochondrial DNA Offers Clues to Giant Hornets’ Invasion
When scientists discovered specimens of the invasive giant hornet Vespa mandarinia on both sides of the border between Washington and British Columbia in 2019, they sought to find out how they arrived from Asia. Analysis of their mitochondrial DNA provided an interesting twist: The hornets on each side of the border likely did not come from the same location in Asia.
Bark Beetle Identification: There’s an App for That, Too
Researchers at the University of Florida and the USDA-ARS have created a mobile app for bark beetle identification, allowing users to either play a beetle ID game or browse through the bewildering diversity of morphologies in the world of bark beetles.
Research Examines Potential of Alternate Host Plant as a Trap Crop for Asian Citrus Psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid is a major insect pest of citrus cultivars and vectors the bacteria that causes citrus greening disease. Recent research on a newly identified alternate host plant for Asian citrus psyllid examines the plant's potential as a trap crop for use in management of the pest.
Amazing Insects ›
Limb Regeneration in Lady Beetles: Product of Selection or Developmental Byproduct?
Researchers studying the ability of several lady beetle species to regrow detached limbs during their pupal stage say the trait may be linked to genes that offer survival advantages when activated, but more research is needed.
Little Organisms, Big World: Insect Gut Bacteria Partnerships
A recent review in the open-access Journal of Insect Science shines a light on the diversity of host-symbiont relationships among holometabolous insects.
The Curious Case of the Spiders in the Ant-Acacia Mutualisms
Deep in the Panamanian rain forest, researchers document two species of orb-weaver spiders that have inserted themselves into the typically two-way relationship between certain ant colonies and the acacia plants they live in.
Digging Deep: The Secrets Within Termite Nests
A researcher studying termites' digging techniques says that understanding individual roles in collective activities can shine a light on the evolution of such behavior and how social insects perform simple tasks to ultimately construct complex structures.
Science Policy and Outreach ›
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.
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.
Research News ›
Pea Aphid in Pulse Crops: New Guide Outlines IPM Options
In the United States, the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) has a broad host range and is a serious concern for commercial pulse producers, especially in the Pacific Northwest region. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management examines pea aphid biology and ecology, as well as various management practices.
How Mitochondrial DNA Offers Clues to Giant Hornets’ Invasion
When scientists discovered specimens of the invasive giant hornet Vespa mandarinia on both sides of the border between Washington and British Columbia in 2019, they sought to find out how they arrived from Asia. Analysis of their mitochondrial DNA provided an interesting twist: The hornets on each side of the border likely did not come from the same location in Asia.
Research Examines Potential of Alternate Host Plant as a Trap Crop for Asian Citrus Psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid is a major insect pest of citrus cultivars and vectors the bacteria that causes citrus greening disease. Recent research on a newly identified alternate host plant for Asian citrus psyllid examines the plant's potential as a trap crop for use in management of the pest.
These Beetles Withstand Cyanide Blasts to Eat Millipedes
Flat-backed millipedes that defend themselves with cyanide have a fearsome foe in Promecognathus beetles, which are unfazed by the potent poison. A new study shows the beetles have evolved a unique tolerance for cyanide—rather than avoidance behavior or some other countermeasure—but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
The Entomology Profession ›
How Off-Campus Students Can Increase Their Network
Entomology students’ work often places them at university branch campuses, where they might feel isolated or miss out on interactions on the main campus. Here, find some tips for off-campus students to increase their networks—which may also be useful for all students during the COVID-19 era.
How One Entomologist Stands Tall in Her Adopted Country
Meet Angelita (Angel) Acebes-Doria, Ph.D., entomology professor at the University of Georgia, Philippines native, and subject of the next installment of our Standout Early Career Professionals series. In a Q&A, Acebes discusses building a career in a foreign country, managing imposter syndrome, and adapting her research program in the era of COVID.
Watch the Four Finalist Videos in the 2020 YouTube Your Entomology Contest
Check out the four finalist videos in the Entomological Society of America's 2020 YouTube Your Entomology Contest. Final results will be announced in October and acknowledged during Entomology 2020.
Livestock to Leader: Veterinary Entomologist Takes Charge and Helps Students Succeed
Meet Brandon Smythe, Ph.D., director at the Veterinary Entomology Research Laboratory at the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Smythe is the subject of the next installment of our “Standout Early Career Professionals” series.
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Study Shows Mosquitoes Can Still Spread Malaria After Long-Distance Flights
Last year, groundbreaking research showed Anopheles mosquitoes can ride high-altitude winds to spread far and wide. A new study published in July confirms that, after such flights, the mosquitoes remain healthy and capable of transmitting the pathogen that causes malaria.
How Mitochondrial DNA Offers Clues to Giant Hornets’ Invasion
When scientists discovered specimens of the invasive giant hornet Vespa mandarinia on both sides of the border between Washington and British Columbia in 2019, they sought to find out how they arrived from Asia. Analysis of their mitochondrial DNA provided an interesting twist: The hornets on each side of the border likely did not come from the same location in Asia.
Research Examines Potential of Alternate Host Plant as a Trap Crop for Asian Citrus Psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid is a major insect pest of citrus cultivars and vectors the bacteria that causes citrus greening disease. Recent research on a newly identified alternate host plant for Asian citrus psyllid examines the plant's potential as a trap crop for use in management of the pest.
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.
What’s the Best Method to Monitor Wild Bees?
A researcher in Australia sets out to evaluate the various methods for monitoring wild bees and finds that the sweep net outpaces other methods in both the number of bees and number of species collected.
Digging Deep: The Secrets Within Termite Nests
A researcher studying termites' digging techniques says that understanding individual roles in collective activities can shine a light on the evolution of such behavior and how social insects perform simple tasks to ultimately construct complex structures.
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.
List of Known Host Plants Grows for Spotted Lanternfly
Two researchers compile existing research and additional observations to update the list of potential host plants for the invasive spotted lanternfly, bringing the worldwide total of plants the insect will feed on to 103—of which 56 are present in North America.