Insects : Science World Report

Dec 22, 2014 12:40 PM EST

Gold Swift Moth's Sex Life is a 'Karma Sutra of Mating Patterns'

You might not think that insects have complicated sex lives. When it comes to a certain small brown moth, though, you may be surprised.

Dec 17, 2014 12:58 PM EST

How Fireflies Light Up the Night: New Technique Reveals Details of the Lantern

Have you ever wondered how fireflies shine? These insects light up summer nights, flashing in patterns to communicate to one another within the darkness. Now, scientists have taken a closer look at this bioluminescence.

Dec 10, 2014 01:42 PM EST

Leaf-Cutter Ants Select Fungus for Their Farms to Be More Productive with Time

It turns out that fungus-growing ants are picking when it comes to cultivating their crops. Scientists have discovered that a lineage of South American ants have an evolutionary history of improvement of their fungal crops.

Dec 02, 2014 10:45 AM EST

New York's Insects are the City's Hungry Garbage Disposals

When you think of New York City, you usually think of large buildings and pavement--not insects. But it turns out that these arthropods play a huge role in the city's ecosystem.

Nov 07, 2014 09:00 AM EST

The First Modern Roadmap of Insect Family Tree Reveals How Species First Evolved

There's been a major breakthrough when it comes to the study of insects. Scientists have published the first modern roadmap of insect evolution, revealing how these creatures are related and uncovering their true ecological, economic and medical importance.

Nov 06, 2014 10:29 AM EST

Cockroach Cyborgs Receive an Upgrade in Sound Detection for Rescue Missions

Scientists are giving cyborg cockroaches an upgrade. They've created new technology that allows these biobots to pick up sounds with small microphones, and then seek out the source of the sound.

Nov 03, 2014 12:14 PM EST

Honey Bees May Survive Pesticides with a Better Diet of Natural Pollen

When it comes to honey bees, diet is all important. It turns out that honey bees fed on a natural diet of pollen are far more resistant to pesticides than those that are fed an artificial diet.

Oct 29, 2014 10:22 AM EDT

Why These Parasitic Butterflies 'Talk' Like Ants

It turns out that ants aren't the only insects that inhabit their own nests. Scientists have found how a species of butterfly manages to infiltrate ant nests and spends most of its life there as an unwanted guest.

Oct 22, 2014 08:32 AM EDT

How Moths Find Distant Mates: Pheromones Waft in Turbulent Winds

Scientists have long wondered how male moths locate females flying hundreds of meters away. Now, they may have their answer. It all has to do with air flow.

Oct 14, 2014 07:20 AM EDT

House Fly Genome Sheds Light on Human Health and Diseases

Scientists have taken a closer look at the house fly's genome, and state that it could provide insights into pathogen immunity, pest control and decomposing waste.

Oct 06, 2014 08:01 AM EDT

Metamorphosis Drives Insect Evolution: Butterflies May be Less Likely to Become Extinct

Scientists have found that there's one set of insects that speed ahead more quickly than the others. It turns out that metamorphosing insects diversify far more quickly than other insects, and are the biggest contributors to the evolution of insect diversity.

Oct 02, 2014 08:48 AM EDT

Newly Discovered Ant Species Infiltrate Enemy Nests to Steal Food

It's a matter of hiding in plain sight for a newly discovered species of ant. These insects are able to infiltrate the nests of other species and gain access to their food sources by "disguising" themselves by using a few unique techniques.