insects

Watch a predaceous diving beetle dine on a tadpole.

Organisms with unusual genomes are helping scientists investigate gene regulation, evolution, and development.

Of the Hemiptera bugs, milkweed-chomping Oncopeltus fasciatus have hung onto more smell and taste receptors than their liquid-guzzling relatives.

A virtual exhibition of C.R. Percival’s slides reveals the natural world up close.

Genetic material left behind on flowers can reveal which insects have visited.

Froghopper insects gain traction on smooth plant leaves by piercing them with tiny spikes.

Critics of an agricultural research initiative cite concerns about possible weaponization of the resulting technology, which would use infected insects to deliver genetically modified viruses to plants.

Some beetle species may have evolved to tunnel into the ground to escape the pathogens that abound on dead and rotting animals.

A species of water flea in northern Belgium that helps keep algae in check is growing smaller and less abundant in urbanized areas. 

Warmer weather is thought to be behind the rise in vector-borne illnesses in recent years.

This lone star tick’s bite can cause an allergy to red meat.

An analysis of 40 years of data also finds declines in pest populations after the introduction of the GM crop.

Researchers used scanning electron microscopy to peer at bugs on several hummingbird species.

Researchers outfitted praying mantises with miniature spectacles to investigate how they see the world. 

Selected images of the Day from the-scientist.com

Insect wings may have evolved from multiple origins, say researchers.

Scientists study the unusual genome evolution of the bacteria that live within a genus of cicadas. 

From a plastic-munching coral to see-through frogs, here are The Scientist’s favorite images from 2017.

Scientists look to a leaf beetle’s genitals for lessons on improving catheter strength.