Collection of Frozen Beetles Passes 20,000 Vials
The University of Florida's Forest Entomology Lab hosts the world's largest cryo-collection of bark and ambrosia beetles. Stored at –80 degrees Celsius, the samples are critical for study of the beetles' DNA and fungal symbionts, as well as for identification of beetle outbreaks in forests.
A Little Bit of Spit and a Whole Lot of Patience: What It Takes to Produce a Butterfly Field Guide
Sebastián Mena of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama collected and photographed 120 butterfly species for a guidebook he co-authored about Panama’s Pipeline Road Trail. Find out what Mena says goes into researching, writing, and designing an insect field guide.
Beat the Heat: Maximizing Summer Productivity
For entomology graduate students, summer is not the same break from school and work that it was in their undergraduate days. Field work, experiments, research, and writing all fill up the schedule. Here are some tips from a fellow student on making the most of the summer season.
How an “Accidental Entomologist” Connects Disparate Fields to Study Insect Ecology
Meet Manu Saunders, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow at the University of New England, Australia, expert in insect community ecology and ecosystem services, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Communication is Power: Here’s How Entomologists Can Use It
A group of entomologists urge their colleagues and the academic community at large to invest—both time and money—in professional communication to expand the impact of their science.
Researchers Share New Method for Detecting Insect Egg Predators
A proof-of-concept study shows insect eggs can be marked with protein that can be later detected in a gut-content analysis of arthropod predators that fed on the eggs. Researchers say the method has applications in biological control and beyond.
Spectroscopy Opens Potential for Ultra-Early Pest Detection in Crops
Researchers at Purdue University are developing new ways to apply spectroscopy in service of greater food security. By analyzing light reflected by plants, they can detect compounds the plants produce soon after they face an insect pest attack or other stressor.
One Entomologist’s Quest: To Keep Insect Colonies Alive and Students Curious
Meet Carmen Blubaugh, Ph.D., assistant professor at Clemson University, researcher in insect ecology and biological control of crop pests, and subject of the next edition of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire: Becoming an Early-Career Entomologist
For entomology students making the move to science careers, this time of transition can pose a variety of new challenges. New doctoral graduate Lina Bernaola shares her experience as she steps into the next stage as an early-career professional.
RFID Tracking: Where It Fits in an Entomologist’s Toolbox
If you've ever used an electronic pass in your car to pay a highway toll, then you know the basics of radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking. RFID tags are now available in sizes allowing for applications in entomological research. Here's how one scientist is using RFID in his research on honey bees.
Why Modern IPM Should Take a Wider View of Key Influences
In a new model for integrated pest management, one cooperative extension pro says broader management, business, and sustainability factors must be factored in for IPM success.
How One Entomologist Found His Calling as an IPM Facilitator
Meet Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdivia, Ph.D., IPM entomology advisor at the University of California Cooperative Extension, connector of grower and research communities, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Why Empathy, Connection, and Confidence are Critical for Science Communication
Patricia Raun, director of The Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech, traces her path from professional actor to science communicator and offers entomologists advice on engaging with their communities.
Assay Array: Entomologists’ Lab Tests Expose Insect Secrets
Entomologists can find out a lot about an insect through some simple chemical reactions in a lab. A new review offers a guide to the wide variety of tests, or assays, that can be conducted to measure the fats, sugars, and other compounds in an insect's body—thereby revealing useful clues about how it stores and uses energy.
Why One Insect Toxicologist Aims to Explore the Unexplored
Meet Daniel Swale, Ph.D., assistant professor of entomology at Louisiana State University, whose research works to uncover novel biochemical targets in insects for potential application in pesticides. Swale is the subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
Gender Research in IPM: Women’s Empowerment as a Key to Unlocking Food Security
In developing countries, women make up 43 percent of the agricultural labor force, so incorporating women's input into the application of integrated pest management activities has major implications for IPM success. Ongoing research is aimed at improving equity and access in designing IPM programs.