entomology

Dec 1, 2015

Trap-jaw Ants Exhibit Previously Unseen Jumping Behavior

A species of trap-jaw ant has been found to exhibit a previously unseen jumping behavior, using its legs rather than its powerful jaws. The discovery makes this species, Odontomachus rixosus, the only species of ant that can jump with either its legs or its mandibles. 

Nov 4, 2015

Urban Environments Boost Pathogen Pressure on Honey Bees

Researchers have found that urban environments increase pathogen abundance in honey bees and reduce their survival. The finding raises significant questions as urban areas continue to grow at the expense of rural environments, and urban beekeeping becomes more popular. 

Oct 26, 2015

Spiders: How Spooky Are They?

Spooky scenes of fake spiders in giant webs are everywhere this time of year. But despite the Halloween hype, spiders hardly deserve their reputation as dangerous creatures. 

Jul 20, 2015

The Ecology of the Future and the Future of Ecology

Biologists are trying to understand the impact of global climate change while also working with college students from underrepresented groups to help shape the future of ecology research. 

Jul 7, 2015

All About Those Summertime Creepy Crawlies

Learn more about the insects and arachnids that can make a summer day (or any day) miserable. 

Jun 9, 2015

Experts Convene to Discuss How to Protect Bees, Other Pollinators

This autumn, researchers, educators, and industry experts from around the country will descend on a small town in rural North Carolina to discuss a question with repercussions for both the economy and the environment: what can be done to protect bees and other pollinators? 

Jun 8, 2015

Yes, That Ant Does Smell Like Blue Cheese

How curiosity, blue cheese, and a buried coconut revealed something new about the chemistry of ants. 

Jun 2, 2015

Researchers Seek Sneak Peek Into the Future of Forests

NC State scientists are bringing in researchers from around the country to participate in a project to get a glimpse of the future of forests in a warmer world. 

May 20, 2015

Field Study Shows How a GM Crop Can Have Diminishing Success at Fighting Off Insect Pest

Research finds the toxin in a widely used GM crop is having little impact on the crop pest called corn earworm – which is consistent with predictions made almost 20 years ago that were largely ignored. 

May 5, 2015

Top 5 Reasons to Garden for Native Bees

Five good reasons to take steps to make your garden welcoming to native bee species. 

Apr 22, 2015

From Punk Guitarist to Research Entomologist

Scientists don't fit stereotypes. Clint Penick studies the evolution of social traits in insect societies. He also recorded and toured as a punk rock guitarist. 

Apr 1, 2015

Isotope Study Shows Which Urban Ants Love Junk Food

Research finds that some – but not all – of the ant species on city streets have developed a taste for human food, offering insight into why certain ants are thriving in urban environments. The findings stem from a study that tested isotope levels in ants to determine the makeup of their diet. 

Mar 16, 2015

How Science Can Help Beekeepers Protect Their Colonies

David Tarpy and his lab are using advanced diagnostic tools to help beekeepers keep their honey bee colonies healthy and productive. 

Mar 2, 2015

The Environment May Change, but the Microbiome of Queen Bees Does Not

Researchers have published the first thorough census of the gut microbiome – which consists of all the microorganisms that live in the gut of the organism – in queen bees. And the findings were surprising. 

Feb 9, 2015

The Cankerworm Chronicles

Cankerworms can be a serious threat to trees and other vegetations -- and researchers are taking an active role in finding ways to combat them.