Department of Entomology

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...