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Tag: traps

Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)

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.

malaise trap

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.

Japanese beetle adult (Popillia japonica)

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.