An entomologist studying the biology of mosquito blood-feeding finds that a mosquito with a severed ventral nerve cord can't sense when it is full, and it will keep on feeding well beyond what its body can hold. Video captured by the researcher illustrates the results.
Raking leaves out to the yard edge may increase tick numbers there, according to a new study by researchers looking at how landscaping practices impact tick abundance.
In its effort to keep cattle fever ticks from escaping quarantine in five counties along the southern Texas border, researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have developed an overnight DNA test that can detect ticks' genetic indicators of resistance to permethrin, a common pesticide used to manage ticks.
The arrival of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) drove a far-reaching, collaborative response by researchers, integrated pest management professionals, government agencies, and growers. A new article in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management looks back at this experience to share lessons learned for future invasive-species response efforts.
Meet Hamilton Allen, Ph.D., BCE, the Florida Regional Technical Director for HomeTeam Pest Defense, a national specialty brand of Rollins, Inc. Within his role, Allen provides technical and operational expertise, implements training programs, and ensures that each of the 10 branches within his region adhere to federal, state, and local pesticide application guidelines. Allen is the subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
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.
An experiment with four-sided nest boxes for alfalfa leafcutting bees showed small variations in environmental conditions from one nest-cavity location to another make a big difference in the bees' nesting preferences and number of offspring.
The tribe of leaf beetles known for their incredible jumping strength use a powerful catapult-like mechanism to spring away from looming predators. A team of Chinese and U.S. scientists illustrate the biomechanics of these beetles' jumps in a new study and say the findings could hold lessons for bio-inspired robotics.
Entomologist Ryan Gott reviews the Cirque du Soleil show "OVO," calling it a must-see for entomologists and insect enthusiasts. By his count, no fewer than nine insect orders were represented by performers in the show.
On the award-winning web video series Deep Look, producers at San Francisco PBS affiliate KQED use macro cinematography and video microscopy to bring insects and other tiny things to life.
New research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that DEET and other repellents approved by the EPA for use against native ticks are also effective against the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis).
Freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more than double the total number of bees and bee species than similar forests that have not burned in over 50 years, according to new research from North Carolina State University.
In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a look at recent entomological research on how some insects and other arthropods woo one another with gifts.
Researchers find that the butterfly species Bicyclus anynana passes down a preference for leaves that smell like banana to its next generation—another curious example of inheritance of a learned trait.
Despite an increasingly diverse profession, awards and recognition in entomology are not diversifying accordingly. What's to blame, and how can we improve? One entomologist issues a call to action for the entomological community to commit to lifting up and honoring the achievements of students and professionals from underrepresented groups in our field.
It's easier to manage an insect pest if you can predict where and when it's likely to show up, rather than trying to react after it appears. The USA National Phenology Network's "Pheno Forecast" maps offer daily updates that model the temperature conditions necessary for a dozen forest insect pests. A new article in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases the tool, part of a new special collection on geospatial analysis of invasive insects.
It may be just one study of one species in one field in Virginia, but 20 years of monitoring Chinese mantid numbers there illustrates the potential double whammy of habitat loss (even a naturally occurring one) and climate change.