Ants in the Nest: A Possible Emerging Pressure on Sea Turtles
Red imported fire ants and native ants may depress the emergence of sea turtle hatchlings, especially in nests near dune vegetation. A new study examines the interactions of ants with sea turtle nests and offers recommendations for reducing ant-related risks in sea turtle conservation.
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.
Conventional Soil Management Draws European Corn Borer Toward Bt Corn
A study on European corn borer in conventional and organic growing systems finds an "unintentional attract-and-kill" mechanism whereby borers are attracted to corn in conventionally managed fields but then fall victim to Bt corn there.
Gut Check: How Stink Bugs’ Insides Illuminate Their Eating Habits
Brown marmorated stink bugs are generalist eaters, and finding them on one plant doesn't mean they haven't also been feeding on another. New research explores the potential of DNA analysis of stink bugs' gut contents to identify the plants they've eaten in the preceding two weeks.