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Invasive Flies Prefer Untouched Territory When Laying Eggs

entomology

Tobacco budworm on a leaf.

Aug 1, 2023

Male Moth ‘Aphrodisiac’ Revealed

Study reveals for the first time a powerful pheromone chemical used by males moths to entice females. 
Scanning electron microscopy image of a chigger.

Jul 12, 2023

Bacterium Associated With Disease Found in N.C. Chiggers

The disease, scrub typhus, presents symptoms similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 
Fall armyworm moth.

Apr 11, 2023

Perfume Component Helps Lure Male Moth Pests

A small amount of nonanal added to a traditional blend of sex pheromones draws the attention of fall armyworm males looking for a good time. 
Mosquitoes

Dec 16, 2022

Study Examines Bacteria Living In and On Mosquitoes

NC State entomologists find more bacterial diversity internally than externally, a surprising result. 
Chicken used to test drugs' effectiveness in killing bed bugs.

Nov 29, 2022

Common Veterinary Drugs Show Effectiveness Against Bed Bugs

Fluralaner and ivermectin, used widely against pests like fleas and ticks, show varying levels of success in tests conducted on resurgent bed bugs. 
Corn earworm attacking corn plant.

Sep 5, 2022

Soil Temperature Can Predict Pest Spread in Crops

Researchers use historical soil temperature data to learn about - and predict - overwintering success of the nasty corn earworm. 
Tobacco thrips with Plant Armor

Apr 6, 2022

In ‘Plant Armor’ Crop Cover, Insects Have to Navigate Textile Maze

NC State researchers' design for a new crop cover could provide an effective, chemical-free alternative for insect protection. 
carpenter bee on a soybean flower

Feb 23, 2022

Being Near Pollinator Habitat Boosts Soybean Size

The finding could make a meaningful difference in a grower’s profit margin. 
three images capture beetle larvae at various stages of jumping; a fourth image shows the trajectory of a larva's leap

Jan 19, 2022

Scientists Find Previously Unknown Jumping Behavior in Insects

There is evidence that this jumping behavior is occurring in a range of species – we just haven’t noticed it before. 
Bite-resistant textiles

Jul 13, 2021

Mosquito-Resistant Clothing Prevents Bites in Trials

NC State researchers created insecticide-free, mosquito-resistant clothing using bite-proof textiles they designed. 
Fruit flies with florescent red proteins glow red.

Jun 29, 2021

Study Shows Effectiveness of Suppressing Female Fruit Flies

Pest populations plummet in lab experiments as technique using genetically modified fruit flies works more effectively than expected. 
Cicada

May 12, 2021

Podcast: Cicadas

Clyde Sorenson talks cicadas. 
Photo of sand fly.

May 6, 2021

Surprising Sand Fly Find Yields New Species of Bacteria

Researchers discover a new species of bacteria while examining sand fly larvae rearing area. 
Samantha Jordt and a aquatic insect larva

Mar 17, 2021

Abundant and Stable Rocks Are Critical Egg-laying Habitat for Insects in Restored Streams

The abundance and other characteristics of rocks partially extending above the water surface could be important for improving the recovery of aquatic insect populations in restored streams. 
fruit fly on a berry

Feb 15, 2021

Invasive Flies Prefer Untouched Territory When Laying Eggs

The finding raises questions about how the flies can tell whether a piece of fruit is virgin territory – and what that might mean for pest control.