Entomology News and Announcements

Entomologists are exploring the causes of a massive die-off of the honey bee population, from viruses and mites to the role of pesticides on bee health and behavior.

June 13, 2013

“To the bee, a flower is a fountain of life, and to the flower, a bee is a messenger of love,” wrote poet Kahlil Gibran. Whether or not love is involved in the exchange, the evolutionary dance between pollen-transporting honey bees and nectar-producing flowers is one of nature’s most extraordinary symbiotic relationships, a hundred million years in the making.

Mosquito behavior may be immune response, not parasite manipulation

May 24, 2013

Malaria-carrying mosquitos appear to be manipulated by the parasites they carry, but this manipulation may simply be part of the mosquitos' immune response, according to Penn State entomologists.

Getting to the bottom of the zombie ant phenomenon

May 22, 2013

While unraveling a dramatic case of mind control, biologist David Hughes is taking calls from Hollywood—and gaining new insights into the role behavior plays in spreading disease.

Penn State's Jim and Maryann Frazier featured on BBC News

May 16, 2013

Skip forward to 17:50 in the broadcast to hear Matt Well's piece with Jim and Maryann

Online beekeeping course receives international recognition

May 14, 2013

A Web-based Penn State Extension course designed to help beginning and experienced beekeepers gain the knowledge they need to be successful has been recognized for online excellence.

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