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Category: Research News

Recent entomological research from ESA journals, members, and beyond

Closeup of a spotted lanternfly on the right side of the image, climbing on a thin, grayish-brown branch that runs diagonally upward to the left and is blurry in the foreground to the left. The lanternfly's body is dark bluish-black in color with a pointed head and a black beady eye near the point of its head and a small orange spot below its eye. Its wings, held back over its abdomen, are pinkish gray in base color with several black spots.

Suitable Range for Spotted Lanternfly Refined in New Study

As the invasive spotted lanternfly continues to expand its range in the eastern U.S., a new study on the temperatures it needs for progressing through its life cycle offers a clearer picture of where the spotted lanternfly is likely to thrive—and where it's not. In short, northern ranges and higher elevations could escape its impacts.

Overhead view of 20+ termites in a group on a piece of rotting wood. The termites are all milky yellowish white in color, with honey brown splotches in their abdomens.

Western U.S. Has More Subterranean Termite Species Than Previously Thought, Study Shows

The western U.S. is home to two known native species of subterranean termites, Reticulitermes hesperus and Reticulitermes tibialis. But a new analysis shows R. hesperus is likely a species complex of at least two distinct species, and at least five species Reticulitermes in all may be present in California. A better understanding of these separate subterranean termite species and their behaviors will be essential for effective management.

Closeup of a butterfly perched on thin green leaves with its wings spread wide. The butterfly's wings have an orange base color with black veins and bordering, and small white spots within the black border and in the top middle of its forewings.

The Growing Utility of Online Photo Sharing for Entomology Research

The increasing volume of insect photo observations shared on iNaturalist and similar sites can no longer be ignored, and entomologists are finding ways to use it. A review in Annals of the Entomological Society of America digs into best practices for bolstering entomological research with this growing body of citizen-science data.