Not Just Maize: Africa’s Fall Armyworm Crisis Threatens Sorghum, Other Crops, Too
The fall armyworm's impact on maize earns plenty of attention, but it is in fact polyphagous. Sorghum, a key cereal crop in Africa, is also vulnerable to the pest's damage, and researchers are working on biocontrol and other integrated pest management methods in hopes of containing the fall armyworm's impact around the world.
A Crash Course in Science Communication for Entomologists
Entomology 2018 keynoter Randy Olson helps entomologists get past a fundamental challenge: "The more information we’re gathering, the worse we’re getting at communicating."
A Gathering of Minds on Managing Invasive Insects and Arthropods
Part of the Grand Challenge Agenda for Entomology, the summit “Addressing the North American and Pacific Rim Invasive Insect and Arthropod Species Challenge,” drew more than 150 experts in invasive species from academia, industry, government, and entomological societies, hailing from Canada, the United States, and beyond.
Putting Research and Policy Into Practice: Lessons From Science Policy Field Tours
If you've seen the highlights from recent entomology science policy field tours, a symposium at Entomology 2018 will gather perspectives on the success and challenges of the model for getting a diverse crowd of scientists and stakeholders up close and personal with entomology issues in real-world settings.
Entomologists and Collaborators Visit North Dakota for Hands-On Exploration of Pollinator Health
Participants in the 2018 Pollinator Field Tour, organized by the Honey Bee Health Coalition and the Entomological Society of America's Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, say the field tour inspired action, broadened understanding, and promoted collaboration toward protecting pollinators.
How Pokémon Opens the Door for Entomology Education
An article in the latest issue of American Entomologist explores the long-running Pokémon game and its implications for engaging kids and adults in entomology. Plus, an analysis of Bug-type Pokémon characters by their suitable real-life arthropod orders.
Entomological Storytelling: Why We Wrote an Opera About Locusts (Really!)
Entomologist-turned-author Jeffrey Lockwood shares the experience of his latest science-communication effort, adapting the story of the Rocky Mountain locust to the lyrical stage.
How Two Entomologists Landed on TV With Bill Nye
What started with one entomologist's Twitter hashtag turned into a segment on the Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World, and two entomology graduate students appeared on the show to share their work with the world.
Fighting Nature With Nature: Scientists Mobilize Biological Control Against Devastating Fall Armyworm
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management are looking to biological control for the fall armyworm, with plans to deploy native, mass-reared parasitoid wasps in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia in the coming year.
Field Tour Offers Close-Up Look at Invasive Species Security
In August 2018, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered for the Entomological Society of America Plant-Insect Ecosystem Section's Science Policy Field Tour, "Invasive Species Security: Protecting Our National Health, Food Supply, and Environment."
Online and On Tour: How One Entomologist Shares Her Passion for Insects With the World
Meet entomologist Nancy Miorelli, co-founder of the Ask an Entomologist blog, tour guide in the Ecuadorian cloud forest, and insect-inspired jewelry maker, in the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.
What Five Entomologists Learned at the March for Science Summit
Five entomologists, participating on behalf of the Entomological Society of America, attended the March for Science summit "Science | Government, Institutions & Society" in Chicago, July 6-8. Here's a glimpse at how the event motivated them to "stand up for science."
Invasive Insects: The Top 4 “Most Wanted” List
The list of invasive insects in the United States is a long one, but one entomologist offers his list of the top four "most wanted"—plus a note about how entomologists are working to better manage the challenge of invasive insect species.
Team Develops New Protocol for Embedding Insects in Resin
Insect and arthropod specimens set in clear resin are a valuable tool for teaching entomology both in the classroom and in public outreach. A team at Texas A&M University has developed an efficient, cost-effective process for resin casting and shares the instructions with the entomological community.
Entomologists Urge Action, Advocacy After 2018 March for Science
Entomologists Ashley Kennedy and Lina Bernaola participated in the 2018 March for Science in Washington, DC, on April 14. Kennedy and Bernaola say that, though the March was smaller than the 2017 edition, it left them inspired to "continue taking steps forward to enhance advocacy for science."
Fighting Flies With Flies: An In-Depth Look at the 2016 Screwworm Outbreak Response in Florida
The return of the screwworm to Florida in 2016 was a surprise, but entomologists with the USDA and local, state, and international partners were prepared to respond. A new, in-depth report in the Journal of Medical Entomology shares a detailed account of their work re-eradicating the pest via the sterile insect technique—plus new lessons learned along the way.