Insect News

Mosquito Tornadoes Spotted in Western India (February 11, 2024): Several mosquito tornadoes were spotted near the city of Pune in Western India

Bat Flies Likely Use Bacteria to Find Bats to Bite (August 3, 2021): A new study has found that bat flies likely use bacteria to locate bats to feed on. The study was published in Molecular Ecology.

First Asian Giant Hornet Nest Located in U.S. (October 23, 2020): WSDA entomologists have located the first Asian hornet nest in the United States in Blaine, Washington.

Paper Wasp Observed Predating Songbird Nestling (August 9, 2020): A paper wasp was recorded on video attacking and killing a songbird nestling.

Tiny Camera is Mounted on Backs of Beetles (July 28, 2020): Researchers have created a tiny wireless camera that is mounted on the backs of beetles.

Study Reveals 3-D Structure of Ultra-Black Butterfly Wings (March 10, 2020): A study has revealed the unique 3-D structure of ultra-black butterfly wings.

Wasp-Mimicking Praying Mantis Discovered in Peru (October 18, 2019): Scientists have discovered the first species of praying mantis known to conspicuously mimic a wasp. It was discovered in Peru.

Bats Use Leaves Like Mirrors to Find Prey in the Dark (August 18, 2019): Scientists have discovered that leaf-nosed bats can find insects resting silently on leaves by using the leaves like mirror through echolocation.

First Bioluminescent Click Beetle Species Discovered in Asia (July 27, 2019): The first click beetle with a luminous organ has been discovered in a subtropical region in southwest China.

Stick Insect's Eggs Survive if Insect is Eaten by a Bird (April 5, 2019): The hardy eggs of a stick insect survive even when the insect is consumed by a bird.

Newly Discovered Millipede Comes in More Color Combinations Than Any Other (January 27, 2018): A newly discovered millipede comes in numerous different color combinations. It is also covered in cyanide.

New Zealand Parasitoid Wasp Named After Draco Malfoy (October 10, 2017): A newly discovered species of parasitoid wasp in New Zealand has been named after Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter.

Eye Disease Transmitting Oriental Eye Fly Found in China (August 24, 2017): Scientists have found a fly capable of transmitting conjunctivitis and other eye diseases in China for the first. New grass fly species were also discovered.

Fire Ants Build Sinking Eiffel Towers When Trying to Escape (July 12, 2017): Scientists observe fire ants building sinking Eiffel towers when attempting to escape and they need to move vertically.

Study Finds Praying Mantises Kill and Eat Small Birds (July 5, 2017): A recent study has found that many species of praying mantises around the world hunt, kill and eat small birds.

Ancient Wasp Species Discovered in Amber Named After Ziggy Stardust (June 26, 2017): An ancient was species discovered in Burmese amber has been named after David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust.

Scientists Genetically Engineer Glow-in-the-Dark Mosquito Killing Fungus to Produce Spider and Scorpion Venom (June 15, 2017): Scientists have genetically engineered a glow-in-the-dark mosquito killing fungus to produce toxins from spiders and scorpions.

Scientists Make Robotic Backpacks for Dragonflies (June 8, 2017): Scientists have made robotic backpacks for dragonflies. These backpacks connect to the dragonfly's nervous system making it a steerable drone.

Study Finds Mosquitoes Crippled by Insecticide Still Bite (May 5, 2017): Scientists have determined that mosquitoes with only one or two legs remaining can still bite humans.

Scientists Use CRISPR to Create Red-Eyed Mutant Wasps (April 25, 2017): Scientists created mutant wasps with red eyes using CRISPR gene-slicing technology.

Scientists Discover a Fungus Gnat Paradise in Peruvian Amazon (April 12, 2017): Scientists have discovered an environment that is a paradise for fungus gnats in the Peruvian Amazon.

Insect With Triangular Head Preserved in 100 Million Year Old Amber (January 26, 2017): Scientists have discovered an insect with a triangular head preserved in 100 million year old amber. A new order was created for the unusual insect.

Ants Use the Sun for Guidance When Walking Backwards (January 19, 2017): Scientists have discovered that ants rely on the sun and their memories when walking backwards to their nest.

New Moth Species Named After Donald Trump (January 18, 2017): A new species of moth has been named after President-elect Donald J. Trump.

New Species of Assassin Fly Discovered in South Africa (December 6, 2016): A new species of Assassin Fly has been discovered in South Africa