insects

May 31, 2023

David Andow to Lead Applied Ecology

An accomplished ecologist with an extensive international background in agriculture and species conservation will lead the Department of Applied Ecology.

many ants swarm over a plastic plate containing different types of food. The plate is set on the ground, surrounded by leaves.

Jan 20, 2023

Climate Conundrum: Study Finds Ants Aren’t Altering Behavior in Rising Temperatures

The finding suggests ants may have trouble adjusting to climate change.

three images capture beetle larvae at various stages of jumping; a fourth image shows the trajectory of a larva's leap

Jan 19, 2022

Scientists Find Previously Unknown Jumping Behavior in Insects

There is evidence that this jumping behavior is occurring in a range of species – we just haven’t noticed it before.

line drawings of arthropods from a coloring book

Jan 29, 2021

If You Love Insects and Other Arthropods, We Have the Coloring Book for You

Check out the free coloring book with the best name ever: “Arthropods!”

Oct 19, 2020

Insect Insights

The first genome sequence in the insect order Thysanoptera sheds light on one of the world’s most costly agricultural pests, aiding scientists searching for ways to stop damage caused by the invasive western flower thrips.

Fly with orange eyes and a light dusting of pink powder over its body

Aug 6, 2020

Study Could Lead to Power Over Parasite

Researchers find genetic targets for controlling the New World screwworm, a deadly insect pest that feeds on livestock, wildlife, pets and even humans in the Western Hemisphere.

May 29, 2020

Here Come the Cicadas! At Least for Some of Us

Right now, in the northwest corner of North Carolina, a remarkable event is occurring - one that happens only every 17 years. It’s the emergence of Brood IX of the 17-year periodical cicadas, and it is a sight (with accompanying sounds) worth seeing.

Oct 17, 2017

Insect Allies: How the Enemies of Corn May Someday Save It

A new technology could make it possible to save a growing crop from imminent widespread disaster – whether drought, pest or disease. And it doesn’t come in a sprayer.

Man holding an open case containing pinned insects.

Sep 5, 2017

Buggin’ Out: CALS’ Insect Museum Grows

When is a gift of 60,000+ insects a good thing? When it becomes part of NC State’s Insect Museum.

May 23, 2013

Bittersweet: Bait-averse cockroaches shudder at sugar

Sugar isn’t always sweet to German cockroaches, especially to the ones that avoid roach baits. In a study published May 24 in the journal Science, North Carolina State University entomologists show the neural mechanism behind the aversion to glucose, the simple sugar that is a popular ingredient in roach-bait poison.