New Citizen-Science Project Explores Little-Known Behavior in Monarch Butterflies
Think you know monarch butterflies? Think again! A gardener's observation has spurred a new study examining how and when monarchs feed on plants rich in compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Surprisingly little is known about the behavior, and researchers are asking citizen scientists for help to learn more.
How Florida Mosquito Control Could Trim Disease in Northern States
Researchers in Florida have pinpointed the local overwintering habitats of mosquitoes that host eastern equine encephalitis virus. They hope targeted control efforts can cull those mosquitoes before they transmit the virus to birds that carry it north to other parts of the country.
Mystery Growths on Termites Lead to Major Review of Ectoparasitic Fungi
A new report in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America details 34 species of fungi that specialize in parasitizing termites—an effort spurred by researchers puzzling over mysterious growths on the underside of termites collected in South America.
Shades of Jurassic Park: Museum Specimens Shown to be “Treasure Troves” of Genomic Data
Advances in genetic analysis methods have opened new research opportunities using old source material: museum specimens. A study on three families of moths illustrates the potential of the new technique, dubbed "museomics."