insects

Large swarms of bogong moths have appeared across New South Wales, surprising residents who have reported the insects arriving in big numbers. Conservationists and locals are 'thrilled', with scientists suggesting the swarms could be a sign the species is recovering after steep declines in recent years.

An Irish bee expert is sharing daily bee facts, explaining that bees have neither lungs nor a nose. Instead, air enters their bodies through small external openings called spiracles, which run along the body. A simple gas exchange system then delivers oxygen to internal tissues and expels carbon dioxide, allowing the insects to breathe without the respiratory organs found in mammals.

Researchers in California have identified odors that repel honeybees from pesticide-treated areas, offering a possible way to protect pollinators from chemical exposure. The findings are being shared in science and agriculture circles as a hopeful step for bee conservation, with commenters highlighting the potential benefits for farming and insect populations.

A wildlife photographer spent time outdoors hoping to photograph a swallowtail butterfly and came away with a decent shot, but says the real highlight of the day was a small gray bee, with a crab spider as a bonus find. The macro insect images have been shared with nature and photography enthusiasts, who appreciate the unexpected encounters that come with patience in wildlife photography.

Scientists have described a new beetle species, Micraspis filapicis, from China, published in the journal Zootaxa. The finding is being shared among open-science and biodiversity communities, with the species' taxonomic treatment made freely accessible through Plazi and linked FAIR data resources. It is the latest in a steady stream of newly catalogued insect species announcements.

Researchers have reverse-engineered insect smell receptors to identify the sex pheromones of moths, according to a report by Bioengineer.org. By decoding how these olfactory receptors detect chemical signals, scientists can pinpoint the exact compounds moths use to attract mates. The work could lead to new pest-control methods that disrupt moth mating without pesticides, and highlights how receptor engineering is advancing the study of chemical communication in insects.

A tract of former farmland is set to be restored as habitat to support wildlife, turning agricultural land back into a natural environment. Restoration projects like this typically aim to rebuild soil health, encourage native plants and attract birds, insects and other species. People are sharing the story as interest grows in rewilding and nature recovery schemes on land no longer used for farming.

Researchers at the University of Essex report that butterflies deploy optical illusions as a defence against predators. The study suggests wing patterns create visual effects that make it harder for predators to judge the insects' position and trajectory, helping them evade capture. The findings shed light on how evolution has shaped survival strategies through visual deception rather than speed alone.

A photographer has shared a close-up shot of a dragonfly taken at Kanazawa Castle in Japan, tagging it with travel and photography themes. The image is drawing modest attention from photography and travel enthusiasts, who appreciate the castle grounds as a spot for capturing insects and seasonal scenery.

A gardening tip circulating online suggests that people with space around their homes can help wildlife through the winter by piling branches on top of each other, leaving gaps between them, and covering the pile with turf and leaves. The structure creates shelter for hedgehogs, insects and other small animals looking for a place to overwinter.

A wildlife photographer in Dongzhang Town photographed a black kite hunting: the raptor caught a flying insect, dropped it, and attempted to catch it again, a sequence the photographer managed to track through the viewfinder. The images are being shared and appreciated by nature and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Le Monde reports on an expedition into the Borneo jungle searching for undiscovered insect species. A researcher involved says 'I think I've found something incredible', suggesting potentially significant entomological discoveries in one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests. The story highlights ongoing efforts to document little-known tropical insect life before habitat loss erases it.

The city of Beaumont, Texas has opened a new pollinator garden at Tyrrell Park. The garden is intended to support bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, adding a conservation-focused feature to one of the city's main parks. Coverage of the opening has appeared in local news outlets serving the Beaumont area.

Photography enthusiasts are sharing close-up shots of dragonflies for a weekly themed photo challenge, highlighting the insects' intricate wing structure. The posts note that dragonflies belong to the suborder Anisoptera, meaning 'unequal wings,' because their hind wings are larger than their front wings. The images are drawing appreciation for the delicate detail visible in macro photography of the insects.

Nature photographers are sharing close-up images of Chrysolina americana, the rosemary leaf beetle, a small iridescent green-and-purple insect commonly found on rosemary and other herbs. The striking macro shots are drawing attention from wildlife and insect photography enthusiasts, who praise the beetle's metallic colours and use the images to discuss garden insects and macro photography techniques.

The CabotFest community festival has returned, offering food, local gatherings and its unusual cricket-spitting contest. The event brings residents together in Cabot, Arkansas, with the quirky insect-spitting competition drawing particular attention among the festival's attractions.

A writer in Oregon's coast range reports that fall is mantis season, with the season's praying mantises covering the farm where they live. Each autumn they manage at least one close photo session with one of the insects, which they describe as beautiful predators. The observation is being shared warmly among nature and wildlife enthusiasts online.

The Wesleyan Argus is running an 'Office Hours' feature with a Wesleyan University professor who talks through the roles of insects, plants and food webs in ecosystems. The interview-style piece breaks down how these organisms depend on one another, offering students and readers an accessible look at basic ecology and the interconnectedness of food chains.

A new garden has been established in Beaumont, Texas, designed to support butterflies, bees and other local wildlife. The project highlights growing community interest in pollinator-friendly green spaces and urban habitats, adding to efforts in the region to protect insect populations and provide food and shelter for native species.

A hiker walking near Ginučiai in Lithuania reported seeing a Polygonia c-album, the comma butterfly, for the first time. The insect is known for the notched edges of its forewings and its orange, brown and black colouring, which mimics fallen leaves. Grass snakes were also spotted along the same trail.