Insects
moth

Moths: hot or not?

Male moths may be throwing themselves into a relationship before they’re ready.

Silkmoth antennae are sensitive pheromone detectors. Image: Shutterstock

Silkmoth antennae spark eureka moment for scientists

The most powerful explosive detection device to date has been developed by a group of European researchers, but the idea behind the system isn’t entirely new, in fact a little moth species has…

Studies usually focus on the male fruit fly (above) and ignore the females. Image: Studiotouch/Shutterstock

Fruit flies change after sex

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus — and fruit fly neural circuits can prove it.

Ladybird spiders were rediscovered in 1979. Image: Pavel Krasensky

The elusive ladybird spider

With a striking red abdomen decorated with six black spots, the male ladybird spider is one of the world’s most fascinating — and elusive — creatures. This spider (Eresus cinnaberinus) is an endangered…

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The empire of the micro

Directed by Austrian artist Clemens Wirth, this two-minute film takes you into the realm of the micro.

Tsetse flies utilise a process similar to mammalian lactation. Image: Image modified from Benoit et al., Biol Reprod 2012.

Female tsetse flies and what they teach us about mammals

Lactating tsetse flies can shine a light upon lactating mammals.

Black flies transmit diseases when they drink our blood. Image: Shutterstock

Black flies exist for a reason

These irritating creatures could be the key to preventing the diseases they spread.

Giant hornets look formidable, but they're no match for 500 bees. Image: Shutterstock

Japanese honeybees cook their enemies

Irritating bees is never a good idea, especially not if they can kill their enemies with their body heat.

Bumblebee populations are also declining. Image: Shutterstock

Common pesticides are indirectly killing bees

Sublethal doses affect bees by impairing their ability to find their way home.

The all-time diva of flies

Taxonomy immortalises Beyonce.

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