We tend to keep away from midges and – even when in swarms – they tend to keep away from each other

We’ve all found ourselves trying to avoid the swarms of midges that are so common in late summer. But as you try to avoid them, what you may not know is that they are equally keen to avoid each other…

Alex Dittrich, Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Oct. 15, 2024 ~5 min

Trees’ own beneficial microbiome could lead to discovery of new treatments to fight citrus greening disease

The promising compounda were discovered on an organic farm.

Krishnaswamy Jayachandran, Professor of Agroecology, Florida International University • conversation
Oct. 4, 2024 ~6 min


Invasive caterpillars can make aspen forests more toxic for native insects – a team of ecologists explains how

Research finds that extensive feeding by invasive insects can cause trees to produce defense compounds, to the detriment of valued native insects.

Patricia C. Fernandez, Professor of Agronomy and CONICET Scientist, Universidad de Buenos Aires • conversation
Sept. 19, 2024 ~8 min

For many in the UK, 2024 was the year without a butterfly

The Big Butterfly Count reported its worst results in 14 years of monitoring UK species.

Lars B. Pettersson, Associate Professor in Animal Ecology, Lund University • conversation
Sept. 18, 2024 ~7 min

Where the UK’s wasps have gone and why they need your help

Scientists know why there aren’t as many wasps around this year - but we don’t have much data on what is happening long term.

Seirian Sumner, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, UCL • conversation
Aug. 23, 2024 ~6 min

Where are all the butterflies? Possibly in your shed

Butterflies bruised by rain and gales are hunkering down hoping for pleasant weather.

Willow Neal, Postgraduate Researcher in Conservation Ecology, The Open University • conversation
Aug. 6, 2024 ~7 min

Would you trust an ant to amputate your limb? Science is showing they are skilled surgeons

A recent study shows that carpenter ants have evolved amputation skills a cut above the rest of insects.

Christopher Terrell Nield, Principal Lecturer, Bioscience, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Aug. 6, 2024 ~7 min

In defence of midges

Why it’s time we started appreciating these tiny insects.

Alex Dittrich, Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 31, 2024 ~6 min


Bugs thrive in urban Los Angeles – volunteers’ traps reveal biodiversity hot spots for city insects and spiders

City life can mean lots of pavement and habitat loss. But many bug species are hanging on, especially in neighborhoods with steady temperatures near the mountains.

Teagan Baiotto, Ph.D. Student in Marine & Environmental Biology, University of Southern California • conversation
July 22, 2024 ~6 min

Honey bees vote to decide on nest sites – why we should listen

New study shows man made hives leak substantially more heat than the tree cavities of wild honey bees.

Derek Mitchell, Researcher in Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds • conversation
July 1, 2024 ~6 min

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