Big, Beautiful, and Confusing: Deciphering the True Hornets
A new key to the genus Vespa includes dozens of close-up photos to help users sort through and ID potential invasive species like the Asian giant hornet.
For an Understudied Ant Genus, Two Researchers Choose a “Bird Guide” ID Tool
The Rasopone genus of tropical leaf-litter ants gets a thorough taxonomic revision, and the researchers behind the long-term project present their identification manual in a "bird guide" format rather than the traditional dichotomous key.
Treasures in Gemstones: Previously Unknown Wasps Found in Prehistoric Amber
An entomologist examining wasp specimens in fossilized amber from the Eocene (34–55 million years ago) has identified them as a new species, Brachyelatus marthae, and the first fossil specimens from the chalcid wasp subfamily Chrysolampinae.
Advanced Morphology Techniques Reveal Tobacco Hornworm’s Secrets
Though studied for decades as a model organism, the tobacco hornworm's lack of silk production has never been thoroughly researched, until now. A team of researchers combining high-tech microscopic imaging with genomic techniques have captured in new detail the caterpillar's first instar silk-producing anatomy and subsequent loss of that capability as it molts to later instars.
New Collection Spotlights Current Techniques in Morphology
A new collection of research spotlights emerging new technologies and research methods revolutionizing the study of morphology.
Balance, Hearing, and More: Why Some Wasps Have Fat Lower Legs
The fat lower legs that dangle below flying wasps in the family Gasteruptiidae turn out to be filled with insect fat body, and they may play key roles in flight dynamics, detecting vibrations from prey, and even detoxification.
So Many Shot Hole Borers: New Research Charts Four Nearly Identical Species
Tiny beetles once known as tea shot hole borers are actually a group of four distinct species that appear almost exactly the same to even the trained eye. In a new study, researchers combine both physical measurements and molecular genetics to better define the members of the Euwallacea fornicatus cryptic species complex.
One Year Later: An Update From Insect Systematics and Diversity
Launching a new entomology journal is a learning experience, say the co-editors-in-chief of Insect Systematics and Diversity. On its first anniversary, the duo share their experience in working with volunteers and authors and their vision for the journal as it continues to grow.
Rise of the Grasshoppers: New Analysis Redraws Evolutionary Tree for Acrididae Family
A new study of genetic relationships in the grasshopper family Acrididae points to an origin in South America, not Africa, as previously thought. The findings about grasshopper evolution are reported in Insect Systematics and Diversity.
New Home for Systematics in Entomology Nears First Issue
Insect systematists—and anyone, really, interested in topics such as insect taxonomy, morphology, paleobiology, phylogenetics, and genomics—have reason to celebrate with the coming debut of the newest journal of the Entomological […]
Why Scientific Nomenclature is So Important: Q&A With ICZN Commissioner Frank Krell
By Josh Lancette In 2015, the Entomological Society of America journals became compliant with the requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (“the Code”), which is produced by the […]