Pestology Blog

Biodiversity surveys are crucial for understanding ecosystem organisms, recording species abundance and diversity to guide conservation efforts. Traditional visual methods can be biased, leading to the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance. Recent research highlights dung beetles as effective invertebrate DNA (iDNA) samplers, offering improved monitoring of terrestrial fauna.

The Ig Nobel Prize awards, particularly Dr. Richard Vetter's recognition for studying arachnophobia among entomologists, reveal that even experts can fear spiders. A survey of 41 entomologists showed varying degrees of fear and negative experiences with spiders, highlighting the paradox of their phobia towards eight-legged creatures despite their expertise with six-legged insects.

Eastern Subterranean termites, significant pests in North America, exhibit behaviors to manage dead nestmates, crucial for colony health. They utilize cannibalism and burial to recycle nutrients and prevent disease. Research shows workers respond to chemical cues upon death, indicating the importance of understanding these behaviors for potential pest control strategies.

Effective pest management begins with proper insect identification, often requiring the expertise of entomologists. To assist these specialists, it's crucial to take clear photographs by getting close, maintaining focus, and capturing multiple angles of the insect. Poor quality images hinder identification efforts and should be avoided.