A new study published in July 2025 in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America has confirmed that what were thought to be two species of subterranean termites in southern California ( Reticulitermes hesperus and R. tibialis) actually include a third distinct species, now named Reticulitermes rusti. Led by Ph.D. candidate Joanne Chen in...

A one-hour webinar on Tuesday, August 5, from 11 a.m. to noon will share findings from a three-year, multi-disciplinary project focused on identifying and addressing farmworker training needs. Researchers from UC ANR, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley collaborated with a trusted advocacy group in the Central Valley to develop relevant agricultural extension materials for Spanish-speaking...

Are all insect stings as deadly as they seem? In this video, we uncover the truth about insect venom and its potential dangers. From bees and wasps to scorpions and ants, discover how venom works, why it's used, and when it becomes a threat to humans. Learn how venom can vary from mildly irritating to...

Mosquitoes bite humans primarily because female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs. They are attracted to us through a combination of cues: carbon dioxide from our breath, body heat, and especially skin odors made up of chemicals like lactic acid and carboxylic acids. Some people are more prone to bites due to factors like blood...

In the 1880s, California farmers saved their citrus crops from the invasive cottony cushion scale by introducing the Vedalia beetle—a landmark success in biological control. Today, scientists like Dr. Mark Hoddle are exploring similar methods, such as parasitic wasps, to fight the destructive spotted lanternfly. Hoddle warns that biocontrol must be done carefully: “I don’t...

Bumble bee queens take breaks from laying eggs early in colony formation to conserve energy. A UCR Entomology student, Blanca Peto, found these pauses align with brood development and are triggered by cues from pupae. This flexible behavior helps queens avoid burnout and may be key to colony survival. View article here

The UC Riverside Entomology department has developed an effective new treatment for drywood termites using bistrifluron, a chemical that prevents molting by blocking exoskeleton formation. When combined with pinene, a chemical lure that attracts termites, the treatment kills up to 95% of the colony. Bistrifluron spreads through termite colonies via shared feeding, disrupting growth and...

The book consolidates much of the recent research on the phylogenomics of Chalcidoidea. It is co-authored by many of the world authorities and focuses on the systematics and biology of chalcidoid wasps. It provides an introduction to the family, a review of chalcidoid morphology, an overview of the fossil record, an identification key to the...

UC Riverside has received seven grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need ( GAANN ) Program. The program offers grants to academic departments and programs at higher education institutions to fund graduate fellowships. Students with strong academic records and who have demonstrated financial need and intent to pursue...

A doctoral student in entomology is being honored by the world’s largest entomological society for her contributions to the field. Link to Article: Doctoral Student

Egg production in the United States has changed significantly in the last century. From the 1920s to the 1960s, egg production underwent a significant evolution, driven by advancements in breeding and husbandry practices ( Kidd and Anderson, 2019 ). In the early 20th century, chickens were typically raised on small farms, where they were valued...

Originally from central Asia, the house fly ( Musca domestica) is found pretty much anywhere humans live. In large numbers it can be a nuisance, and it is known to transmit more than 200 pathogens to humans and animals. One of the most common methods to control house flies are toxic baits, which contain a...

Most people associate ants with industriousness. We see them as busy insects working together for the good of the colony. But some ants pawn their work off on other species, raiding their nests and kidnapping their young to ensure a steady supply of workers. Link to Article: Held Without R-ant-som:

More than 2 billion people regularly eat insects — on purpose. They’re a great source of protein for communities around the world and some are considered delicacies reserved for special occasions. And it’s entirely possible that eating bugs could become more common in the U.S. too. Link to Article: Good grub — why you should...

If you upset one bee, what determines whether the entire hive decides to avenge her grievance? A $1.2 million grant will support UC Riverside scientists in answering questions like these about how honeybees communicate. Link to original article: Rosetta stone for Honeybees

For his outstanding contributions to the field, UCR Professor Chow-Yang Lee has been elected fellow of the Entomological Society of America, one of only four individuals nationwide to receive the honor this year. Link to original article: Entomological Society of America elects UCR Professor as Fellow | Inside UCR | UC Riverside

Lice have been found feeding on the skin and blood of free-range chickens, which are infected at much higher rates than caged flocks. This finding could have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free. Links to original article: https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/07/17/cage-free-chickens-are-louse-y https://www.morningagclips.com/study-finds-lice-causing-significant-harm-to-poultry/

Native plants and non-native crops do not fare well in proximity to one another, attracting pests that spread diseases in both directions, according to two new UC Riverside studies. “We have changed the landscape, and it’s created opportunities for pathogens to thrive,” said UCR entomologist Kerry Mauck, who co-authored the studies. “We have introduced pathogens...

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) has been identified on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. It is known for spreading the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes citrus greening disease (also known as Huanglongbing). Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus diseases in the world. Infected trees produce immature (and unmarketable) fruits...

UC Riverside scientists discovered a new termite control method using pinene to attract termites to insecticide, offering a non-toxic, cost-effective alternative to traditional fumigation. Credit: Dong-Hwan Choe/UCR UC Riverside scientists have introduced an effective and sustainable termite control strategy using pinene to lure termites into insecticide-treated areas, achieving over 95% effectiveness and reducing the reliance...