Tag: entomology
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Stinkbugs with mobile fungal gardens: surprising find
Overview: a surprising hitchhiker on stinkbugs In a twist that blends microbiology with entomology, researchers have uncovered that some stinkbugs’ legs carry mobile fungal gardens. This discovery adds a new layer to our understanding of how insects interact with fungi, suggesting a dynamic relationship that could influence behavior, nutrition, and even reproduction in these shield-backed…
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Stinkbugs on a Mission: Mobile Fungal Gardens Linger on Their Legs
Introduction: A surprising twist in stinkbug biology In the insect world, partnerships between species can look almost like science fiction. Recent findings about certain stinkbugs in the Dinidoridae family reveal a remarkable twist: these bugs may carry a mobile fungal garden on their legs. This unusual partnership seems to help the insects in nutrition and…
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Rice Weevil on a Grain of Rice Wins 2025 Nikon Small World Contest
Winning Image Elevates Insect Photography and Entomology The 2025 Nikon Small World photomicrography contest has crowned a striking image that captures a rice weevil perched on a lone grain of rice. This tiny, intricate scene, created by Zhang You from Yunnan, China, has captivated judges and audiences alike by revealing the delicate interplay between pest…
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Rice Weevil on a Grain of Rice Wins 2025 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest
Overview: A Moment in Photomicrography History The Nikon Small World photomicrography contest has crowned a striking image as the winner for 2025: a close-up of a rice weevil perched on a single grain of rice. Taken by Zhang You from Yunnan, China, the photograph not only stands as a technical triumph but also offers fresh…
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Rice Weevil on a Grain Wins Nikon Small World 2025
Overview: A Groundbreaking Microphotograph The Nikon Small World photomicrography contest has crowned its 2025 winner, a striking image of a tiny rice weevil perched on a single grain of rice. Captured by Zhang You of Yunnan, China, this microphotograph blends scientific detail with aesthetic clarity, offering viewers a fresh look at a familiar agricultural pest…
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Why a Bug’s “Dance” Isn’t About Dating—It’s a Stealthy Survival Trick
What Looks Like Dancing Isn’t About Courtship Insects rarely perform for the camera, and their behavior often hides deeper purposes. A recent study by STRI researchers Connor Evans-Blake, Juliette Rubin and Ummat Somjee uncovers a surprising truth about a group of colorful flag-legged bugs: their waving is not a courtship display but a sophisticated anti-predator…
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Flag-Waving Bugs Reveal Surprising Anti-Predator Strategy
Mystery Behind the Waving Flags What looks like a playful dance on the leaves is actually a survival tactic. For years, scientists wondered if the bright leg flags of matador bugs were a courtship display shaped by sexual selection. However, a study examining both male and female waving found no link to mating or competition.…