Articles for tag: Insects

Biotechnology, insect surveillance

The Pentagon’s Plan to Use Insects as Biological Surveillance Devices

Annette Uy

The concept of utilizing insects as biological surveillance devices may sound like something from a science fiction novel, but it’s quickly becoming a reality. The Pentagon is exploring innovative ways to harness the natural capabilities of insects to monitor and gather environmental data. This approach is not only fascinating but potentially revolutionary in the field ...

Praying mantis

14 Incredible Insects That Perform Feats of Strength

Annette Uy

In the fascinating world of insects, strength comes in surprising forms. These tiny creatures, often overlooked in the grand tapestry of nature, perform acts of strength that defy their size. While they may not be lifting weights at the gym, their feats are no less impressive. From the bustling ant colonies to the solitary beetles, ...

Which Insect Mirrors Each Zodiac Sign's Energy?

Which Insect Mirrors Each Zodiac Sign’s Energy?

Andrew Alpin

 Ever wondered what tiny creature might best represent your zodiac personality? The world of astrology extends far beyond the usual animal symbols we know and love. Every zodiac sign has an insect or bug that captures their personality. An astrologer has selected an insect that describes each zodiac sign’s style. This fascinating connection between insects ...

green trees and plants during daytime

New Firefly Species Found in South Carolina Wetlands

Suhail Ahmed

  On a humid evening along a quiet South Carolina wetland, the night cracked open with a pattern of light no one recognized, and that small mystery set a research team on a months‑long chase. The result is the detailed study of a firefly population, a bioluminescent insect hiding in plain sight among cypress knees ...

Secondary Screwworm Fly (Cochliomyia macellaria)

The Revolutionary Science That Stopped a Livestock-Killing Parasite

Jan Otte

In Texas Hill Country, the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville has been instrumental in combating the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), a parasitic insect once responsible for devastating losses in livestock and wildlife across the United States. The Menace of the Screwworm Fly The New World screwworm fly poses a unique ...

brown mosquito

The Most Mosquito-Infested States in America

Suhail Ahmed

  Across the United States, the most mosquito-infested states form a kind of living constellation, blinking not with stars but with tiny wings and needle-like mouths. For public health officials, ecologists, and even astrophysicists who think in terms of complex systems, these insects are less a seasonal annoyance and more a planetary-scale experiment in how ...

Brown Hairstreak butterfly

Brown Hairstreak: The Rare Butterfly That Is Recolonizing London

Andrew Alpin

The Brown Hairstreak butterfly, scientifically known as Thecla betulae, is one of Britain’s rarest species of butterfly. However, recent sightings show it is making a quiet yet significant comeback across London and surrounding regions, marking an important resurgence in urban and semi-urban environments. This elusive butterfly, recognized for its distinctive brown wings and small ‘tails’ ...

Leaf Fossil

Fossils Beyond Dinosaurs: Ancient Plants and Insects

Anna Lee

When most people think about fossils, dinosaurs often come to mind. However, the world of fossils is much more diverse and includes ancient plants and insects. These fossils provide valuable insights into the Earth’s past, offering clues about the planet’s evolutionary history, climatic shifts, and ecological transformations. This article explores the intriguing realm of plant ...

butterfly

New Study Reveals Surprising Cognitive Abilities in Butterflies – They Outsmart Other Insects

Butterflies, with their delicate wings and tiny brains, might not seem like the sharpest creatures in the animal kingdom. However, new research from the University of Bristol has revealed something surprising about the Heliconius butterfly—these colorful insects can actually learn and remember spatial information. Through a series of experiments, scientists discovered that these butterflies are ...

Hornworm caterpillar with wasp larvae.

How Baby Wasps Can Save Your Tomatoes from Hornworm

Imagine tiny heroes patrolling your garden, keeping your tomatoes safe from destructive pests. These heroes are baby wasps, and they have a special talent for taking care of one of the most mischievous tomato destroyers: hornworm caterpillars. Let’s explore on how these mini warriors can save your precious tomato plants from destruction. Hornworm Caterpillars: The ...