Penn State Pollinator Webinar Series: Bumble bee biology and management for pollination (Erin Treanore)

July 15, 2020

In previous webinars, speakers have talked about how bees are very diverse and made up of over 20,000 distinct species. It is important to understand the different characteristics of these bee species, as they can greatly impact pollination management.

Save milkweed and you help save monarch butterflies

July 15, 2020

As you trim the wild edges of your property this summer, you might want to be careful of which weeds you whack. Few plants are as valuable to North American conservation as the common milkweed.

Ticks - biology, threats, protections - are focus of 10-week Penn State webinar series

July 14, 2020

Ticks, Lyme disease, other tick-borne diseases and Pennsylvania’s No. 1 position in all of that will be explained in detail in a free, 10-part webinar series from Penn State Extension that begins Thursday, July 9, with weekly installments scheduled through September 17.

Murder hornets maybe not the deadly threat we thought

July 14, 2020

Asian giant hornets, which picked up the name “murder hornets” when they made headlines across the U.S. earlier this year, are probably less imposing that previously reported, according to a Penn State expert in insects.

More than 4 dozen new bee species in Pennsylvania, says Penn State study

July 14, 2020

A study of bees found in Pennsylvania has uncovered 49 species never before recorded in the state.

Invasive spotted lanternfly could threaten Western Pennsylvania trees, plants Mary Ann Thomas

July 14, 2020

Allegheny County could be overrun with the beautiful but disgusting spotted lanternfly within two years if the public doesn’t find and report them this year, according to a Penn State researcher.

Grape Growers Grapple With Increasing Population of Spotted Lanternfly

July 14, 2020

Spotted lanternflies damaged more than a quarter of Pennsylvania’s vineyards last year, and the persistent pest isn’t showing any sign of retreat this year.

Penn State researchers still need the public’s help to fight the spotted lanternfly, but a new tracking technique can help target emerging infestations

July 14, 2020

Penn State scientists have found new ways to track the spotted lanternfly and slow the spread of the plant damaging insect.

NSF CAREER grant supports entomologist in study of sterility mechanisms in bees

July 13, 2020

A grant of more than $1 million from the National Science Foundation will support a researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences in a study of mechanisms that induce sterility in social insects. Etya Amsalem, assistant professor of entomology, received the award from the prestigious NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program.

Engaging children in STEM during a pandemic

July 10, 2020

In recent years, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities have become popular workshops for children to increase an interest in STEM careers later in life. These activities are particularly important for female, underrepresented, and underserved populations to show that they are welcome in these types of environments. However, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into hands-on, in person activities.

Gall fly outmaneuvers host plant in game of 'Spy vs. Spy'

July 10, 2020

Over time goldenrod plants and the gall flies that feed on them have been one-upping each other in an ongoing competition for survival. Now, a team of researchers has discovered that by detecting the plants’ chemical defenses, the insects may have taken the lead.

Gall fly outmaneuvers host plant in game of 'Spy vs. Spy'

July 9, 2020

Over time goldenrod plants and the gall flies that feed on them have been one-upping each other in an ongoing competition for survival. Now, a team of researchers has discovered that by detecting the plants’ chemical defenses, the insects may have taken the lead.

Penn State Pollinator Webinar Series: Mason bee management for backyard and orchard pollination (Natalie Boyle)

July 7, 2020

Pollination by animals is essential for both agricultural and natural ecosystems. While honey bees provide the majority of managed pollination services, in this webinar the focus was on a different species of managed bees.

Virgil inspires donor to create endowed professorship in College of Ag Sciences

July 7, 2020

Thanks to a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Entomology have established the Publius Vergilius Maro Professorship.

Bug of the Month - July 2020

July 2, 2020

Bug of the Month is a student–run monthly post which highlights the diversity of insects found in Pennsylvania.

Beescape Monthly Update for July

July 2, 2020

Greetings, once again, from the Beescape Team! This is another entry in our monthly updates from us here at Beescape!