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Sharing the Planet With Good and Bad Nematodes
Most nematodes are considered free-living, meaning that they function at several trophic levels of the food web and act as prey and predator for other creatures. Free-living nematodes are some of nature’s most vital decomposers, recycling minerals and nutrients from bacteria, fungi and other substances back into the soil. These unsung heroes are especially good…
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The Insect Apocalypse: Why Entomologists Need Your Help
Scientists are sounding the alarm, warning of plummeting insect populations and apocalyptic outcomes. Where once insects fluttered under street lights and chirped in forest meadows, there is now a distinct feeling of absence. There’s even a name for this feeling: the windshield phenomenon. Research from around the globe is shedding light on what could be…
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What Does Entomology Have in Common With Other Natural Sciences?
Entomology is the scientific study of insects, the world’s most abundant and diverse organisms. Although its focus on insects makes entomology unique among other natural sciences, such as ecology, biology and microbiology, its goal of gaining knowledge through observation and experimentation is shared amongst all sciences. Sciences like entomology build upon each other to overcome…
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Nematodes: The Unsung Heroes of Composting
Numerous factors are at play inside a compost pile, including aeration, moisture, temperature and time. It all comes together to transform grass clippings, fruit scraps and coffee grounds into inorganic nutrients and organic matter. Microorganisms and invertebrates are an essential part of this process, doing much of the heavy lifting in decomposition.
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What’s That Bug? Identifying Five of Nature’s Most Eye-Catching Insects
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) loves helping people identify insects and related arthropods.
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Integrated Pest Management: A Holistic Approach to Controlling Pests
By the year 2050, the world’s population will likely increase to nine billion people. Moreover, the spread of prosperity across the globe will increase demand for meat, eggs and dairy, which will only increase demand for crops to feed livestock. As reported by National Geographic, the world will need to double the number of crops…
