Fruit DNA in Invasive Flies’ Guts Could Help Track Their Dispersal
A recent study at North Carolina State University shows that DNA analysis of spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) flies can detect whether they fed on strawberries as much as seven days prior. Researchers hope the proof of concept will lead to more accurate analysis of the invasive pest's dispersal in the field.
Study Shines a (Fluorescent) Light on Invasive Fruit Fly Trapping
To estimate the catch rate of traps for invasive spotted-wing drosophila fruit flies in tart cherry orchards, researchers at Michigan State University first marked thousands of flies with fluorescent dust and released them. Then they counted the recaptured flies under ultraviolet light.
Study Shows Common Fungicide Impairs Silkworm Silk Production
A study in Brazil finds that a common fungicide can impair the oxygen consumption and silk production of silkworms if applied to their preferred food source, mulberry leaves.
Study Shows Rapid Evolution in Lab-Reared Insects
A wide variety of insects (such as mosquitoes, shown here) are raised in the laboratory. A new review of research on lab-reared insects shows that they evolve rapidly as they progress through generations raised in artificial environments.
Do Chestnut, Lemon, or Peppermint Scents Repel Spiders?
In a study on three commonly cited natural spider repellents, both chestnut and peppermint oil showed apparent repellent effects on two species of spider but not on a third. Meanwhile, lemon oil did not have a significant effect on any of the three species included in the study.
Domestic Sea Trade Aids Wood-Boring Beetles’ Range Expansion
A study by entomologists in Italy found that the abundance of bark- and wood-boring beetles outside their native range but still within the same country is correlated with levels of trade at nearby sea ports, suggesting domestic sea transportation plays a role in insects' intra-country range expansion.
New Ingredient Improves Pheromone Lure for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Researchers at USDA's Agricultural Research Service identified a chemical that enhances capture of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in pheromone traps
In Search of Soybeans Resistant to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a major pest; USDA researchers hope to breed a resistant soybean.
Some “Green” Oils Can Stop a Bed Bug—But Many Can’t
Most Essential oils don't work to control bed bugs, although there are a few exceptions
Short Bait Exposure Controls Asian Subterranean Termite Colonies
A new study in the Journal of Economic Entomology shows exposure to an insecticide bait known as a chitin synthesis inhibitor for as little as one day may be sufficient to eliminate a colony of Asian subterranean termites
Pennies for Parasitoids: Savings Add Up When Rearing Wasps on Alternate Hosts
The parasitic wasp Telenomus remus can be cheaper to raise on a commercial scale on the eggs of an alternate host, rather than those of the fall armyworm, the pest the wasp naturally parasitizes in the field
For Termites, Home is Where the Molt Is
Formosan subterranean termites have a strong urge to return to their central nest when it's time to molt.
Fallen Fruit Breeds Invasive Flies
By removing potential breeding sites such as fallen fruit, population levels of invasive spotted wing drosophila could be reduced
Do You Know the Harlequin Bug’s Favorite Color?
By Josh Lancette Ever wondered what a harlequin bug’s favorite color is? Some researchers from Virginia Tech and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service now have an answer. To help improve trapping […]
Search Continues for Methods to Control Fungus-Farming Beetle in SoCal Trees
By Meredith Swett Walker A spate of tree deaths in California has arborists, park managers, and home owners alarmed. Keen-eyed tree caretakers might notice a cluster of tiny holes in […]
Odorant Receptor Gene in Codling Moth Also Affects Egg Production
A funny thing happened on the way to testing the CpomOR1 odorant receptor. Researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service conducted an experiment on codling moth (Cydia pomonella) using the CRISPR/Cas9 […]