There are 10 quintillion insects in the world. Here’s what to do with the ones in your house.
- Associate Professor in Entomology, University of Sydney
In humans, social complexity usually involves clear governance hierarchies, with leaders and middle managers directing our activities. But ants don’t work that way.
Ants may be tiny – but by working together they build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two?
Every week, one or two species of Australian invertebrate go extinct. Many species on the brink live in cities – where we can help.
Ants outnumber humans by an almost unimaginable margin. There’s probably one near you right now.
Next time you’re outside, say a silent thanks for the many unsung insect pollinators helping to keep our ecosystems healthy.
Artificial lights at night are causing serious disruption to these insect night shift workers. That’s a problem for everyone.
Summer is a great time to go beetle-watching in Australia. By protecting these dazzling insects, we can ensure they survive for future generations to enjoy.
Each year insect scientists like us field questions from the press and public about Christmas beetle populations: where have they gone?
Plan your summer reading or catch up on what you missed with The Conversation’s selection of the best books of the year.
Early warm weather has triggered a bumper season for Australia’s 30,000 fly species.
You’re a bee, and your favourite flower is out of nectar. What do you do?
Kita mungkin pernah melihat semut berbaris di atas bangku dapur pada musim panas. Haruskah kita mengeluarkan insektisida, atau haruskah kita belajar untuk hidup bersama mereka?
Honeybees have the potential to cause damage to the structure of homes. The honey and wax produced by bees can melt under certain circumstances, like when the colony dies or during hot weather.
Tiny ants might seem like unlikely inspirations and sidekicks for a superhero, but real life ants have astonishing superpowers that make them formidable allies.
Many gardeners worry these large larvae might damage plants. But before you squish them, read this.
Invertebrates are the most abundant animals on our planet – and the vast majority are nothing to be afraid of, despite their appearances.
There are 900,000 described species of insects in the world. Field guides help us make sense of them.
Unfortunately, it’s likely you brought them home yourself. Most pantry moth infestations probably start when we inadvertently bring home eggs and caterpillars in our dried foods.
Planting a garden for winter-active insects is a wonderful way to support local biodiversity. Your garden will thrive with the free pollination and pest control services the insects provide.
While you may have seen a lot of bees around lately, there’s no reason to be afraid. Some don’t sting, and others might actually be flies.
A behavioural science expert, a botanist, an environment media expert and an entomologist suggest ways to connect with nature in your garden.
You’ve probably seen ants marching over your kitchen bench this summer. Should you get out the insecticide, or learn to live with them?
Bees innocuously buzzing ‘round the birdbath may be a barometer for burgeoning bee invasions.
One of the most influential agricultural entomologists in history was an insatiably curious and fiercely independent woman named Eleanor Anne Ormerod. She never went to school - nor was she paid for her work.
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