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.
Eastern Larch Beetle Outbreak Just Keeps Going When Winter’s Not So Cold
The current outbreak of eastern larch beetle in northern Minnesota is going into its 18th year, and researchers have found that at least some eastern larch beetles are able to reach maturity without requiring an overwintering period. In short, warmer winters mean eastern larch beetle is killing trees faster than it can be managed.
Mosquito Sculpture Delivers Entomology, STEAM Education at Maryland Middle School
Meet "Wiley" the mosquito, a sculpture at Bates Middle School in Annapolis, Maryland, part of a school-wide integrated education program supported by the Entomological Foundation.
How Bee Hotels Support Urban Pollinators and Educate Locals on One College Campus
Bee hotels provide nesting habitat for a range of native, solitary, cavity-nesting bees. At North Carolina State University, several bee hotels installed on campus support local pollinators and are accompanied with information for campus residents about native bees and the important role they play.
Spotted Lanternfly: States Urge Citizens to Report Sightings of Invasive Insect Hitchhiker
First encountered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, the spotted lanternfly had spread to New York, Delaware, and Virginia by early 2018. The invasive insect threatens Tree of Heaven as well as grapes, hops, and fruit trees, and it has a penchant for hitchhiking. Anyone sighting spotted lanternfly is urged to report it to their state agriculture department or local extension office.
Mary Roach: A “Gateway Drug” for Science
Highlights of the 2017 Annual Meeting Plenary Session with Mary Roach and Gwen Pearson
Teaching Teachers About Insects at the Entomological Foundation’s 2017 STEMbugs Workshop
The Entomological Foundation sponsors a teacher workshop annually at the Entomological Society of America (ESA) annual meeting. In 2017, in-service teachers learned about pollination, spiders, and more!
How to Talk to a Reporter About Entomology
What can you do as a scientist to get the best, most accurate coverage of your research? Tips on working with reporters.
(Soon To Be) Live From Entomology 2017: Q&A With Hosts of This Week in Science
Among many highlights on the slate for Entomology 2017—which starts this Sunday, believe it or not—is a live recording of the long-running podcast This Week in Science. Hosts Kiki Sanford, […]
“People Want to Hear From Scientists”: Q&A With Mary Roach, Science Writer
An interview with science writer and author Mary Roach, speaker at the ESA 2017 Plenary Session
Dispatch From Puerto Rico: Entomological Research Faces Rebuilding—and Opportunity—After Hurricane Maria
By Timothy D. Schowalter, Ph.D. In an article in the Fall 2017 issue of American Entomologist, “Long-term Entomological Research on Canopy Arthropods in a Tropical Rainforest in Puerto Rico,” I […]
Why Insects Make Great Ambassadors for Science Education
The sensory experience of live butterflies gets visitors in learning mode, and that's when staff at Butterfly Pavilion can connect what visitors see with broader science topics.
Field Tour Gets First-Hand Look at IPM and Pollinator Health in Mississippi
By Rayda Krell, Ph.D., and Melissa Willrich Siebert, Ph.D. “Creating a pollinator protection program is like making gumbo,” said Andy Whittington, environmental programs coordinator at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. […]