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Insects That Migrate: Inside the Epic Journey of Insect Migration
During the warmer months, it’s common to spot butterflies serenely gliding from flower to flower or gently flying past during your afternoon walk. But did you know that many of those graceful creatures, including the famed monarch butterfly, only live an average of two to six weeks once they reach adulthood? This short lifespan begs…
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Invasive Species Spotlight: The Spotted Lanternfly
Upon first glance, the spotted lanternfly might appear to be a virtuous little moth. With a black and yellow body tucked gracefully inside a pair of radiant red, black and brown wings, they’re a speckled sight to behold. But if you research these colorful insects, you’ll quickly discover that they’re not nearly as innocent as…
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Vector-Borne Disease Preparedness in the United States
What if your recent mosquito bite carried more than just the discomfort of being an itchy nuisance? What if it posed a significant risk of transmitting a deadly disease like malaria, yellow fever or Zika virus? According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases are responsible for causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Malaria alone caused…
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5 Interesting Entomology Careers to Consider
When you hear children talk about what they want to be when they grow up, you often hear responses like “firefighter” or “teacher,” with the occasional “magical princess” thrown in for good measure. What you’re much less likely to hear from a five-year-old is something like, “I want to be a vector control specialist.” But…
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4 Reasons Why Insects Are Beneficial
We don’t blame you if insects aren’t your cup of tea. According to Jeffrey Lockwood, many people run from insects (or squash them on sight) partly because of evolution and partly because we feel a sense of invasion when we find them scuttling around our private spaces. But perhaps we can persuade you to see…
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What Do Beekeepers Do? A Day in the Life
Ever wonder how that golden honey makes the journey from hive to jar as you drizzle it over your favorite sweet treats? Beekeepers play an essential role in not only ensuring the health of the hive (and all its buzzing inhabitants) but also the removal of honey once it’s ready for extraction. But what do…
