Can Cuticle Compounds Be Extracted From Insects Preserved in Ethanol?
Researchers studying hydrocarbons in insect cuticles typically avoid specimens preserved in ethanol, for fear the solvent may interfere with chemical analysis. A new study, however, finds ethanol has little effect—at least in the case of one wasp species tested—and opens the possibility that ethanol-preserved insects can indeed be used for the analysis of cuticular chemical compounds.
Mosquito Forecasting: How Phenology Data is Powering New Advances
A partnership between the National Ecological Observatory Network and the National Phenology Network makes deep troves of ecological and phenological data available for a variety of uses, including predicting populations and dynamics of insects such as mosquitoes.
Another Study Confirms Mosquitoes, Midges Don’t Transmit Coronavirus
Biosecurity research at Kansas State University adds to the chorus of studies showing mosquitoes and other insects are not biological vectors of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Here's a look at how that research is conducted.
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.