A tiny lizard found only on one tiny Caribbean island has seen a dramatic 1,500% increase in its population, after just a few years of island restoration efforts. In 2018, researchers estimated there were fewer than 100 individuals of the critically endangered Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) on the small hat-shaped Sombrero Island, part of […]
Tag: insects
Rare Invasive Insects Intercepted at Dulles Airport Pose Economic Threat
In a surprising discovery, Customs and Border Protection inspectors at Dulles International Airport recently encountered two exotic insects not typically seen in the Washington, D.C. area. On October 7, during a routine inspection of a flower shipment from South Africa, officials identified two potentially harmful species that could pose significant threats to local agriculture. […]
Invasive spotted lanternflies thrive in cities
Warm cities may provide the best conditions for the spread of invasive lanternflies. Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula), native to Asia, first arrived in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania. They have since spread across the Northeast and into the Midwest and Southeast. Scientists tapped into the citizen science platform iNaturalist to learn more about why […]
Hiker, 63, dies after being attacked by “stinging insects” on the trail
A 63-year-old hiker has died after being attacked by “stinging insects” on a Hong Kong hiking trail. According to the South China Morning Post, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a party of four was hiking on the Wilson Trail in the Pat Sin Leng mountain range. The group of two men and two […]
From local pond to outback dunny, Australia’s biggest frog count is here – and researchers need your help
They moan, hum, whistle and click, and can be found almost everywhere, from the neighbourhood pond to the most remote outback dunny. From Friday to 17 November, people across the country are encouraged to take part in FrogID week, Australia‘s biggest frog count. The annual event, now in its seventh year, aims to collect thousands […]
Would you trust an ant to amputate your limb? Science is showing they are skilled surgeons
An insect bites off another insect’s leg. Is this predatory behaviour, aggression, defence, competition or something else? In the case of carpenter ants, it’s for the good of the amputee and to the benefit of the colony. A July 2024 study found carpenter ants carry out lifesaving amputations on their colony siblings. Image © Waffa/Shutterstock […]
Why Fly Fishing Is a Great Way to Connect with Nature
Fly fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it’s an immersive experience that allows individuals to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. Unlike conventional fishing, fly fishing requires a nuanced understanding of ecosystems, patience, and a meditative approach to the outdoors. This article explores why fly fishing is an exceptional way to […]
What to Do if You Find a Wasp Nest
Warm weather drives many people to step outside to soak up some sun. But as you enjoy your summer barbecue with friends and family, suddenly, a striped little visitor buzzes by. That buzzing intruder means one thing—you’ve got a wasp nest in your backyard. By late summer, wasp nests can house up to 10,000 busy […]