Understanding how evolution shaped the insect visual system
Harvard researchers develop in vitro method for probing what colors an insect sees.
yesterday • ~8 min
Male butterflies mark their mates with a stench to 'turn off' rival suitors
The stench was once thought to originate from plants, but scientists have now pin-pointed its true origin.
Jan. 28, 2021 • ~5 min
Want to teach kids about nature? Insects can help
Insects are plentiful and inexpensive. Even when children aren't attending school in person, they can learn from the encounters they have with insects outside.
Oct. 29, 2020 • ~5 min
Monarchs lay more eggs where milkweed isn’t alone
Milkweed is key to monarch butterflies' life cycle. But adding other flowering plants may help monarchs more than milkweed alone.
Oct. 21, 2020 • ~7 min
How gross ‘chastity belts’ shape butterfly evolution
After mating, some male butterflies seal their mate's genitalia. But females have evolved ways of fighting back or getting around the "mating plug."
Sept. 22, 2020 • ~7 min
Monarch butterflies' spectacular migration is at risk – an ambitious new plan aims to help save it
Can a plan that brings together government and private landowners create enough habitat for monarch butterflies?
Sept. 18, 2020 • ~9 min
Blame milkweed loss for steep monarch declines
Loss of milkweed is the most likely reason for the incredible loss of monarchs, a new study of 1.4 million butterflies shows.
Sept. 4, 2020 • ~5 min
Monarchs from east and west fly differently, but still mate
Even though eastern and western monarch butterflies have different styles of migration, they're genetically the same, researchers report.
Aug. 11, 2020 • ~9 min
Lockdown: Label showing plants safe for bees and butterflies
People enhancing their gardens during lockdown may not realise some plants have insecticides.
Aug. 8, 2020 • ~2 min
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