Tag Entomology
Trees stripped by invasive caterpillars muster defenses that can harm native insects
New research suggests that defoliation from an invasive species could impact a whole community of other organisms via increases in toxic plant defenses, possibly contributing to the worldwide decline of insects.
The buzz about cicadas
Curious nature lovers crowded to Cicadapalooza, held on June 8 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to learn all about the noisy bugs.
‘Super pest’ Colorado potato beetle has the genetic resources to sidestep our attacks
New research reveals how diversity within its genome has allowed the pest to quickly evolve resistance to nearly anything humans have thrown at it.
Midwest bumble bees declined with more farmed land, less diverse crops since 1870
Native species declined while the average number of different crops grown in these states was cut in half and as modern agriculture began to focus on intensive production of corn and soybeans
University helps state growers cope with voracious, invading fruit fly
“These insects have invaded everywhere in the world that grows fruit,” says researcher Hanna McIntosh. “If the mulch works here, it’s probably applicable to people who grow fruit in other places.”
A new kind of mosquito repellent that comes from bacteria
University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers describe the first mosquito-repelling compounds to be derived from bacteria, and they appear to work at lower doses than repellents currently on the market.
Tracking dragonflies, citizen scientists gain insight to Arboretum’s wetlands
This past summer, volunteers began the Arboretum’s first-ever effort to systematically track dragonfly populations, in hopes of gaining insight into the many waterways the Arboretum is charged with protecting.
Set in amber, fossil ants help reconstruct evolution of fungus farming
New UW–Madison research makes it clear that the constant threat of crop parasites repeatedly pushed evolution in ants in strikingly similar directions, creating structures that helped the ants reinforce their partnership with bacteria.
Wisconsin researchers release new app to study what makes ticks ‘tick’
The app helps scientists better understand when and where ticks are picked up and educates people on what kinds of ticks to look out for and how to practice safe habits when venturing outside.
UW Arboretum workshop tracks endangered bees with photos
Following the listing of the rusty patched bumble bee as an endangered species in March, more than two dozen people came to the Arboretum to learn how to use photography to identify pollinators.
UW center plays key role in finding Zika-transmitting mosquito in state
Under a federal grant, Midwestern universities led by UW–Madison have more resources to conduct the kind of surveillance that turned up the Asian tiger mosquito in Dane County.
Plants under attack can turn hungry caterpillars into cannibals
A researcher found a tomato plant can make itself taste so horrible that a caterpillar, which would typically munch on its leaves, might eat another caterpillar instead.
Enormous swarms of midges teach about interconnected landscapes
Research into the insects' behavior aims to better understand lake-dominated environments, including those of Wisconsin.
Tropical moth alights in UW’s Botany Garden, a Wisconsin first
Botany Professor Edgar Spalding spotted a white-tipped black moth in the UW–Madison Botanical Garden, the first recorded observation in Wisconsin of the tropical species.
Variable tree growth after fire protects forests from future bark beetle outbreaks
Researchers say forest managers may want to consider promoting this natural variability to help protect forests from the insects.
Scientists describe new model to enhance Zika virus research
The model will allow researchers to better understand how the virus causes disease and aid in the development of vaccines.
Recent evolutionary change allows a fruit fly to dine on a toxic fruit
A fruit called the noni, now hyped for a vast array of unproven health benefits, is at the heart of a new research study.
Boundless Together, Part 4
The last of four new commercials about UW–Madison will premiere this weekend during the Badger football game. Learn more about the research highlighted in the spot.
CALS researchers deploy insect ‘birth control’ to protect cranberries
It's no fun being a male moth in one of Shawn Steffan's cranberry research plots. When the time comes to mate, it's tough to find a partner.
Young Coleoptera Collection brings the UW bunches of beetles
You know who really bugs the UW? Daniel Young bugs the UW. And he’s been bugging the UW for years, largely with his own bugs.