In July 2019, scientists watched mayflies mistake solar-like glass for water; females landed and deposited eggs on the dry surfaceFemale mayflies are confusing solar panels for water surfaces, which is causing difficulties with their reproduction. This issue, termed po...
21 Aug, 2026, 02.10 PM IST
In 2024, Tornyol Systems showed how a 1.4-ounce drone could detect and hunt mosquitoes using ultrasonic sensors. Two years later, the Paris startup recorded its first autonomous kill, but the victim was 1 moth, not a mosquitoA Paris startup just recorded its first autonomous insect kill using a 1.4-ounce drone. Tornyol Systems built the quadcopter with ultrasoni...
20 Aug, 2026, 08.00 PM IST
In 2010, researchers tested solar panels with white lines; the modified surfaces were up to 26 times less attractive to polarotactic insectsSolar panels, with their shiny surfaces, can inadvertently attract insects seeking water. This phenomenon leads to ecological harm, disrupt...
20 Aug, 2026, 02.20 PM IST
How a mosquitofish brought in to kill mosquito larvae became major freshwater ecosystem problemA fish introduced to Hawaii over a century ago now threatens native freshwater wildlife. The mosquitofish, brought to control mosquitoes, n...
17 Aug, 2026, 11.34 AM IST
Do you have these things in your garden? They could be attracting snakes to your homeGardens can inadvertently become havens for snakes by supplying vital resources such as shelter and food. Overgrown grass and thick plants ...
15 Aug, 2026, 09.41 PM IST
112 million years ago, a rainforest thrived in what is now Ecuador; amber from the lost Early Cretaceous forest preserved insects, pollen, and a strand of spider webScientists discovered ancient amber in Ecuador's Napo Province, dating back 112 million years. This amber contains preserved insects and sp...
15 Aug, 2026, 02.00 PM IST
Maharashtra shuts Domino’s, Pizza Hut outlets over grease residue, insect infestationMaharashtra has suspended four Domino's outlet licenses due to hygiene concerns. One Pizza Hut store also faced license suspension for expi...
14 Aug, 2026, 06.23 PM IST
Since 1997, Florida has released Australian insects to help control melaleuca in the Everglades; its invaded range has shrunk by nearly 75% alongside herbicide and mechanical removalIn Florida's Everglades, Australian insects played a crucial role in curbing the spread of invasive melaleuca trees. By targeting these tre...
14 Aug, 2026, 04.20 PM IST
Canadian researchers “cleaned up” burned forest by removing every dead tree; bird abundance fell 50% in areas without snags for food, perching, and nestingClearing away dead trees after forest fires can lead to a notable decline in bird numbers. These standing dead trees are essential, offerin...
12 Aug, 2026, 08.40 PM IST
In 1875, Charles Darwin suggested some plants could capture insects using sticky hairs, but he couldn't prove it. 150 years later, researchers confirmed a Chinese species attracts and traps flies with the same mechanismIn a remarkable confirmation of Charles Darwin's 1875 insight, researchers have discovered that Saxifraga candelabrum, a plant native to Ch...
11 Aug, 2026, 05.35 PM IST
In 1988, USDA scientists released just 88 flea beetles in North Dakota; their descendants multiplied into hundreds of millions across North AmericaIn North Dakota, a targeted release of flea beetles marked the beginning of a successful biological control initiative. These beetles flour...
11 Aug, 2026, 05.19 PM IST
Earlier this year, Smithsonian scientists decoded the pheromones that determine whether bee daughters stay home or leave. It produced surprising clues about how simple insect societies evolve into complex communitiesBee pheromones: New research reveals queen bees use chemical signals to guide daughters. These pheromones influence whether daughters remai...
10 Aug, 2026, 05.51 PM IST
In 1875, Charles Darwin first suggested two plant species might be carnivorous, new study finds unique flower matches legendary naturalists' hypothesis. Check how does it catch insectsCatching insects comes with a potential drawback. Many carnivorous plants depend on insects for pollination and risk trapping the very visi...
10 Aug, 2026, 01.13 AM IST
Japanese scientists painted cows like zebras to stop flies biting them, and it actually worked - the bizarre experiment that won an Ig Nobel in 2025Japanese researchers painted cattle with black and white stripes to deter biting flies. This unusual experiment aimed to reduce insect atta...
08 Aug, 2026, 01.35 PM IST
In 2013, Croatian scientists trained honeybees with TNT-laced sugar syrup. Years later, it helped restore mine-contaminated landscapes by detecting hidden explosivesHoneybees trained to detect explosives: Researchers are training honeybees to detect explosives using their keen sense of smell. Drones and...
08 Aug, 2026, 03.04 AM IST
Scientists discover a flower that secretly eats insects, and say there could be many more killer plantsA remarkable discovery has unveiled Saxifraga candelabrum as a genuine carnivorous plant species. Thriving in challenging alpine regions, i...
07 Aug, 2026, 05.32 PM IST
In 2016, scientists identified the globe skimmer as the world's longest-distance insect flyer. Years later, it reshaped our understanding of insect migrationResearchers from Rutgers University have uncovered genetic evidence demonstrating that dragonflies embark on remarkable long-distance migra...
06 Aug, 2026, 09.13 PM IST