Latest news with #entomologist
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
'Is this the year of another caterpillargeddon?' People in northern B.C. are spotting more tent caterpillars
In trees, gardens, and even on sidewalks — people across northern B.C. are spotting dark-coloured, fuzzy caterpillars with little spots on their backs and wondering if another tent caterpillar outbreak is on the horizon. From Prince George to Taylor, people are posting pictures of them on social media, asking if this will be the year the insects return in mass numbers. Chad Wiebe works at the Two Rivers Art Gallery in downtown Prince George and he said he's noticed tent caterpillars dangling from the trees that line the sidewalk in front of the building. "They are a little bit creepy when they are just hanging about and they can get in your hair and fall on you." Dodging tent caterpillars as he's heading into work isn't a new experience for Wiebe, who said he's familiar with the population booms that have plagued the city in the past. "Every time they appear, we end up getting a pressure washer to make sure our house is cleared off," he said. The last caterpillar population boom in the region happened during the spring and summer seasons between 2010 and 2014 — when streets, sidewalks, trees and buildings were covered with the insects. The caterpillars feed on deciduous trees, and build silk tents where they live communally, before cocooning and turning into moths in late summer. Dezene Huber, an entomologist at the University of Northern British Columbia, said they often go unnoticed when they first hatch because they're quite small. "As they grow, we start to see them in these clusters, living in these little tents that they make out of silk." Huber said it's natural for tent caterpillars to experience a population explosion every decade or so but when exactly that will happen is not easy to predict as a lot of factors like bad weather and disease can impact a caterpillar's ability to survive. "When the dice rolls the right way usually you get a big boom in caterpillar numbers and then they get knocked back again," he said. "It depends how these various dice roll and sometimes all the right numbers come up and we end up with a big explosion of them for a few years." Tent caterpillars aren't limited to northern B.C. The city of Edmonton is also currently seeing more tent caterpillars this year. WATCH | Tent caterpillars in Edmonton: Tent caterpillars taking over Edmonton 3 days ago Duration 1:43 Huber recently saw a cluster of western tent caterpillars on a rosebush during his walk to work, but he said he isn't sure if this year will be the start of another outbreak in the region. "I think people are noticing them a bit more right now. We might be heading into an outbreak coming up in the next year or so we'll have to see what happens." Huber said even if there is another tent caterpillar outbreak brewing, they are relatively harmless as most trees are able to survive losing their leaves entirely for a year or two. "Everyone sort of loves to hate them," he said. "No one likes having caterpillar poop dripping on them and sliding around the dead caterpillars, but it is a pretty interesting phenomenon to witness."
Mail & Guardian
27-05-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Dragonflies: Ancient insects helping to save modern ecosystems
Dragonflies, known for their striking aerial acrobatics and near 360-degree vision, are one of the oldest groups of winged insects on Earth. Long before there were dinosaurs, there were dragonflies. That's one of the things about the ephemeral insects, with their long, slender bodies and gossamer-thin wings, that fascinates entomologist Dragonflies, known for their striking aerial acrobatics and near 360-degree vision, are one of the 'The dragonfly group is ancient, and based on fossil records, their origin dates back around 300 million years ago,' said Deacon, a postdoctoral research fellow at 'The staggering age of the first dragonflies provide us with a look into how life was in the distant past. Contemporary dragonflies retain most body features of Dragonflies, a blanket term for both 'true dragonflies' and 'damselflies', are a relatively small group of insects, consisting of about 6 400 species worldwide. For Deacon, what makes these expert fliers interesting is that they are valuable insects for assessing water and land quality. 'Groups of dragonfly species in a defined habitat can tell us a lot about deteriorating environmental conditions and the requirements to restore degraded areas.' To ensure the long-term survival of dragonflies and other creatures that share their habitats, they must be included more widely in biodiversity conservation efforts and policies. This is the key recommendation from a group of dragonfly experts from 17 countries, including South Africa, Mexico, Australia and the United States. Their recent Insect Conservation and Diversity , proposes a five-point action plan to promote dragonflies in freshwater and riverbank conservation. These are expanding and enhancing dragonfly assessment and monitoring; including dragonflies in standard The scientists said global dragonfly conservation hinges on these five actions implemented across different regions and landscapes. Deacon noted that although dragonflies are sensitive to changes in their habitats, at the same time, they can recover remarkably well when environmental pressure is lifted. 'This means that we can investigate them to learn how we can improve conditions for them, and the other creatures they share their habitats with.' Dragonflies inspire curiosity and appreciation, he said. 'Being surrounded by dragonflies, it is striking to notice their charisma — most dragonflies appear to be attuned to the presence of people in their environments, some would even approach visitors, sometimes seemingly posing for just long enough to show off their beauty.' About Overarching these threats, which often interact, is According to the review, dragonflies could also help measure the success of conservation efforts. Some examples include the global reduction of human exploitation of wetlands through sustainable land-use practices, beaver reintroduction programmes in Europe, habitat restoration programmes including management of highly invasive alien species, sustainable drainage systems development in cities to enhance resilience to extreme weather and water-related events — creating new dragonfly habitats — and clean energy projects. South Africa is home to 65 damselfly species and 96 dragonfly species. Population sizes vary from one location to the next, and according to environmental conditions, Deacon said. 'For example, during wet years, dragonfly population sizes may be inflated, while during dry years, dragonfly populations decline. The dragonfly species with specific habitat requirements are most at risk, while those with broader habitat preferences are more resilient, even benefitting from artificial habitats in urban and agricultural areas.' In South Africa, Dragonfly survival depends on both land and water. 'They breed in water, and this is where the eggs and larvae are found. But the surrounding land is where the adults are found, and where they mature, hunt, pursue mates, and seek suitable habitat to breed.' About a third of the species found in South Africa are endemic. 'While the northeastern region of South Africa is home to the widest variety of species, most endemic species are found in the Western Cape,' Deacon said. In their review, the scientists said it is essential to continue and expand the assessment and monitoring of dragonfly population sizes, distributions and the groups of species that live in specific areas. This information feeds into international conservation prioritisation frameworks and initiatives for understanding conservation risks and declines relative to human pressures and ongoing climate change. 'Monitoring and evaluation during the early stages of conservation programmes are critical to ensure that dragonfly populations, habitats and ecosystems are effectively assessed over time. This approach also helps to quantify threats and measure the level of conservation success. Information gathered through assessment and monitoring must be translated into practical conservation efforts and policy decisions. By including dragonflies in broader conservation initiatives, conservation policies and management globally will become more effective. 'We need policies that focus on overall biodiversity protection, with dragonflies being an important component,' the authors said. The ability of dragonflies to survive under different environmental conditions depends on the traits or characteristics of individual species. 'For some species, these traits may help them adapt to or benefit from human activities, such as creation of ponds. Others, however, may lack these traits, making them vulnerable to local extinction. While databases on the traits of dragonflies are expanding, other unknown characteristics may also play a role in their ability to adapt to changing environments.' The researchers called for conservation efforts that link water and land, improve connectivity between habitats, and better maintain water and soil quality. This landscape approach is based on the idea that efforts to protect dragonflies will also benefit other organisms that share similar habitats and requirements. 'Updating regional species lists and developing field guides and digital applications help with species identification. These resources also have great potential to develop knowledge on how they live in ecosystems and interact with plants and animals they share these ecosystems with.' The scientists emphasised the value of citizen science in enhancing research on conservation and management requirements. 'Understanding the cultural role of dragonflies across various regions, will, in turn, spark interest in them, encourage a desire to protect them, and feed into policymaking.' Deacon noted that They
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Caterpillars make winter wonderland-style spectacle
You would be fooled for thinking it is a frosty winter's morning or a Halloween scene, but a once-in-a-year phenomenon that puts a covering of white across trees, bushes and hedgerows is actually down to thousands of white webbing has been seen across the East of England this May, and is created on host plants by the larvae who protect themselves from predators before they turn into moths or butterflies. East Anglian-based entomologist, Dr Ian Bedford, said: "Inside that net blanket is thousands and thousands of little caterpillars all munching on the leaves."It is just a visual thing. Trees can cope with leaf damage, so it's something that's part of nature." Dr Bedford said it was a "phenomenon" people could see once or twice a year in there being little rain this year, it has meant the webs have stayed up for longer. Dr Bedford said widespread webbings were commonly created by the ermine and brown-tail moth latter can typically be found in coastal areas. Its hairs can cause breathing difficulties and skin rashes, so they are best leaving alone, he said."It mustn't worry people," said Dr Bedford."I would encourage people if they can see them [the webs], to wonder at the sight." Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.
The Verge
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Why on Earth would ants pick a speaker, of all things, to nest in?
I recently came home from a week-long vacation to discover that a colony of ants had taken up residence inside my Sonos Play:1. It was shocking and gross, but I also got weirdly fascinated by the whole situation. My curiosity led me to some hilarious Sonos user forums, a pile of theories involving speaker grills and magnetic fields, and a conversation with an entomologist. You can listen to the whole creepy crawly story on this week's Vergecast. Please enjoy, and/or I'm sorry.
CBC
10-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Dog owners are picking ticks already this season as vets urge precaution
Blacklegged ticks are the variety that can lead to Lyme Disease Pet owners in the London area are already seeing signs of ticks on their animals with veterinarians cautioning to not delay preventative treatment against the potentially dangerous insect. Glencoe dog owner Liette Fadden said she's been picking off between five to ten ticks after each walk in recent days. "We've always had them, but I'd say in the past couple years it's been worse," Fadden said. Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, spread a bacteria that can cause Lyme Disease in animals and people. They've been on the rise in Canada since 2009, and are well established in Ontario. Londoner Bipin Dhinsa has two German Shepherds and a Chihuahua, and said he's also found ticks on his dogs this spring. So far, none of have been the blacklegged variety. "I went out on a hike in Meadowlily and I had like 10 of them on me just from a 10 minute hike," Dhinsa said. "For our pets, the American Dog tick is the species we will find most often, as dogs are their main host species." Image | dog ticks on hand Caption: Dhinsa said that he has mostly found American Dog Ticks, which are more common than Deer Ticks and do not pose a risk of Lyme Disease to humans or dogs. (Bipin Dhinsa) Open Image in New Tab Dhinsa is also an entomologist, an insect expert, who notes that ticks can be found everywhere in the region. But for anyone walking a dog, or out in nature, he said the risk is elevated, both for the person and the pet. "The most common areas, though, to find ticks are near the edges of footpaths where the grass or other plants are longer," Dhinsa said. Check your dog, experts say Animal experts say prevention comes in two forms - checking the dog over for ticks and preventative medication. Finding and removing the ticks with a pair of tweezers within 24 hours is critical, explained Laurie Ristmae, executive director at the East Village Animal Hospital. "Grab it right down by your pet's skin and pluck it out," Ristmae said. "Don't turn it, don't use any kind of 'old school' things like putting Vaseline on them…don't apply anything," she instructed. "Pluck them straight out, put them in a sealed Ziplock bag." Unfortunately, Ristmae said outright avoiding ticks is pretty much impossible, and at her clinic, the number of dogs testing positive for Lyme has increased. Unlike humans whose symptoms include fever, chills and rashes that appear circular or can resemble a bull's-eye, diagnosing Lyme Disease in an animals is a lot harder. It takes a blood test, but symptoms can include stiffness and sore joints. "I hate to sound dramatic, but it really is quite probable that if you have a dog and you're walking them, they're going to come into contact with ticks," Ristmae said. "So, you need to speak to your veterinarian about getting on some type of tick protection." Ristmae explained that medications are available from your veterinarian that will kill ticks while they feed, but before they can pass on the bacteria which cause disease. "It is expensive," Ristmae admitted, referring to veterinary care. "I get that, everybody gets that. But there are a lot of wonderful products with a lot of data and research behind them that can help you prevent a disease or a diagnosis for your dog that will be a lot more expensive to treat than it is to prevent."
