How a PCR Test (and Some Mouthwash) Could Nab an Invasive Fruit Fly
Detecting the presence of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila could soon get easier with a new molecular test for analyzing DNA in bulk trapping samples—sensitive enough to sniff out just one target fruit fly in a sample of 2,000. And the best liquid for preserving trapped flies' DNA comes from the dental-care shelf.
Collecting Insects: Tricks of the Trade
New to insect collecting? Whether you're a student just getting started in entomology or a hobbyist exploring your own backyard, here's a primer on tools and tactics for gathering a variety of insects and arthropods.
Effective Management Remains Elusive for Beetle That Eats Almost Anything
The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is a widely known invasive species in North America. Adults feed on more than 300 plant species and can be downright difficult to manage. A new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management reviews their invasion history, ecology, and management.
From Trash to Treasure: How Bee Bycatch Can Advance Ecological Research, Collaborations
In many agricultural settings, insect pest traps can also attract bees. In a new report, a group of researchers examine ways to reduce bee bycatch in pest traps while also exploring how bee bycatch can aid in assessing bee biodiversity, population levels, range shifts, and more.