National society to recognize two Penn State entomologists

September 9, 2021

Two entomologists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will receive prestigious awards from the Entomological Society of America during its 2021 annual meeting Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. Kelli Hoover, professor of entomology, was elected as a fellow of the society, and Flor Acevedo, assistant professor of entomology, will receive the society's Early Career Professional Research Award.

Watch for mass movements of spotted lanternflies

September 8, 2021

Although many homeowners have reported a greatly diminished population of the spotted lanternfly around their properties, the invaders from Asia known to attack more than 70 types of fruit and landscape trees and vines remain very much with us in at least 34 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Fly Fishing Virtual Institute to feature legendary angler Joe Humphreys

September 8, 2021

Humphreys’ protégé, George Daniel, director and lead instructor of Penn State’s fly-fishing program, designed and will host the three-part series

Armyworms wreak havoc on lawns, crops in 'unprecedented' outbreak

September 7, 2021

This year’s fall armyworm outbreak spans from as far south as Kentucky to as far north as Ontario, Penn State Entomologist John Tooker said, adding that the species, which is native to America, also has invaded China and Africa.

Penn State Master Gardeners aid cleanup effort at Flight 93 National Memorial

September 2, 2021

Drew Leister and more than 80 other Master Gardeners from across Pennsylvania assembled Aug. 13 at the historic site and spent the day weeding, pruning and removing plant debris

Penn State centers collaborate on pollinator education project

September 2, 2021

A recently awarded USDA grant will allow CPR researchers, alongside Center for Science and the Schools partners, to work with elementary school teachers in Pennsylvania to develop cross-disciplinary curricula that support students in understanding pollinator research in the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources.

Entomologist of the Month: September

September 2, 2021

Among the numerous achievements of Thomas Risley Odhiambo’s academic career, his founding of the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) stands out as the most influential. This factsheet was produced by Center for Pollinator Research graduate student fellow Staci Cibotti.

Bug of the Month: September

August 27, 2021

This crayfish (also known as a crawdad or crawfish) was found in Herod Run within Penn State’s Stone Valley Forest

New Extension Note on Flower Flies by Dr. Christina Grozinger

August 26, 2021

Read about the biology and foraging habits of flower flies in this new extension note!

Scientists use ‘smell of fear’ to ward off insect pests from crops and gardens

August 25, 2021

Many animals sharpen their senses when danger is lurking.

For States Dealing With the Spotted Lanternfly, the Policy Is No Mercy

August 24, 2021

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species from Asia, is a voracious plant-eater and public nuisance that could cost state economies hundreds of millions of dollars.

Introducing our new Insect Biodiversity Center Education Specialist!

August 23, 2021

The IBC is expanding!  Please join us in welcoming our newest member, Heather Desorcie, who will be linking IBC outreach efforts with the arboretum and other nature learning centers across Centre County.

Beekeeping exhibit now open at the Pasto Agricultural Museum

August 12, 2021

Come and check out the new exhibit, developed and curated by PSU graduate student Chauncy Hinshaw and Pasto Agricultural Museum Curator Rita Graef

PlantVillage University Seminar Summary - Dr. James Legg and Cassava Viruses

August 5, 2021

PSU IBC graduate student fellow Kwadwo Amoah shares some of the research of Dr. James Legg from IITA-Tanzania. Dr. Legg's full lecture on vector-borne diseases of cassava can be viewed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd7S2BLNHro

Entomologist of the Month: August

August 1, 2021

Baisas pioneered the study of mosquitoes in the Philippines, and his works contributed greatly to the control of malaria. This factsheet was produced by Center for Pollinator Research graduate student fellow Katie Barie

Bug of the Month: August

August 1, 2021

This impressive looking insect is called a hellgrammite, and is the larval form of a type of dobsonfly. This factsheet was produced by Insect Biodiversity Center graduate student fello Francesca Ferguson

Educators offer tips on how to manage spotted lanternflies on ornamental trees

July 28, 2021

The first step in deciding how to manage spotted lanternflies on residential properties and public spaces begins with a risk assessment, according to a Penn State Extension horticulture educator.

Agroforestry for Food Security and Climate Change in Africa

July 27, 2021

PSU IBC graduate student fellow Kwadwo Amoah shares some of the research of Dr. Phokele Maponya from the Agricultural Research Council in Pretoria, South Africa. Dr. Maponya's full lecture on agroforestry practices in Africa can be viewed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEBeUBbCRks

Insect Biodiversity Center members compete for $25,000 prize through the Penn State Nittany AI Alliance

July 26, 2021

Helping pollinators highlighted at Ag Progress Days Yard and Garden Area

July 15, 2021

The benefits of creating pollinator-friendly landscapes is a focus of the Yard and Garden Area this year at Ag Progress Days, Aug. 10-12.

Penn State Arboretum to Host Pollinator Summer Camp

July 5, 2021

Graphic Design students explore pollinator biology and conservation

July 5, 2021

Entomologist of the Month: July

July 1, 2021

Sophie Lutterlough worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), where she classified and restored hundreds of thousands of arthropods. This month's factsheet come from Entomology graduate student and Center for Pollinator Research fellow Katie Barie.

Pollinator and Bird Garden opens in The Arboretum at Penn State

July 1, 2021

People strolling through The Arboretum at Penn State are likely to see more winged creatures visiting the many flowering plants with the opening of the long-awaited Pollinator and Bird Garden the week of June 28.

New model predicts spotted lanternfly egg hatching

June 30, 2021

Research conducted by scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has led to the creation of an online tool that can help predict seasonal egg hatch for spotted lanternflies.

Entomology professor named Chair in Global Food Security in Huck Institutes

June 29, 2021

David Hughes, professor of entomology and biology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and creator of PlantVillage, a knowledge platform that helps farmers combat pests and adapt to climate change, has been named the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Global Food Security in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.

Bug of the Month - July 2021

June 28, 2021

Buzz, buzz! This bumble bee species, Bombus impatiens, is also known as the Common Eastern Bumble Bee.

2021 Graduate and Undergraduate Pollinator Award Recipients

June 10, 2021

The Apes Valentes program funds annual awards to support student-led projects in the sciences and/or arts focused on addressing aspects of pollinator health.

The Long-Awaited Pollinator and Bird Garden Will Be a ‘Magical’ Addition to The Arboretum at Penn State

June 7, 2021

The Arboretum at Penn State will soon open its newest project to the public, the Pollinator and Bird Garden, a space that aims to foster relaxation as well as education.

PlantVillage team lauded for projects to protect food supply amid COVID, locusts

June 5, 2021

Penn State researchers responsible for PlantVillage, a mobile app that helps farmers diagnose crop diseases and monitor pests, have been lauded for their work to help African farmers overcome challenges related to desert locusts and COVID-19.