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Marianne Alleyne

@cotesia.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.3K following 424 posts

Entomologist. Assistant Prof. University of Illinois C-U. Bioinspired Design is my jam, parasitoids my love. #Insect #SciPol #SciCom #Bioinspiration Dutch too.

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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
depths of wikipedia @depthsofwikipedia.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
wikipedia has been ANNIHILATED with AI bot traffic for a while now (because LLMs can't get enough of it) which puts a huge burden on its tech and server costs. and now it looks like bots are making unauthorized edits to pages and trying to hack community tools diff.wikimedia.org/2026/10/05/o...
Wiki editing: We’ve identified edits to Wikimedia wikis that we believe are from AI agents operated by OpenAI. These edits were not published to pages with visibility to general readers; almost all of them were testing edits in “sandbox” areas of the wiki. It also included a few edits to the configuration for a citation tool, which we believe were potentially malicious edits that were intended to misuse this tool as a proxy for fetching data from remote services. While Wikipedia policies allow bots to edit when they are disclosed and approved by the community, none of those approvals were sought in these incidents.
Etherpad probing and use: Agents we believe to be operated by OpenAI made some unsuccessful attempts to compromise our public Etherpad, a note-taking tool we host as a community service. Agents unsuccessfully tried to use it to fetch data from other websites as a proxy. Other agents also likely operated by OpenAI took notes about their tasks, though this did not appear to turn into coordination.
Excessive data downloading: Agents we believe to be operated by OpenAI made millions of automated requests to our public APIs to access the knowledge on Wikimedia projects, crawled millions of pages (mainly from our projects Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons), and made hundreds of thousands of data queries to the Wikidata Query Service (WDQS). This traffic may have contributed to a partial outage on WDQS in May. Wikimedia’s volunteers are the ones who come in first contact with, and clean up the mess left behind by AI agents. Rising bot traffic and agentic activity is showing a real impact on the Wikimedia projects and the infrastructure that makes it available for millions of users globally. In 2025, the Foundation reported that its bandwidth usage had increased by 50% due to the surge of bot activity on its websites since 2024. At the same time, 65% of the most resource-consuming traffic on its projects was coming from bots.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Research led by an immigrant... (Congrats! Francis Halzen.)
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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
Entomological Society of America @entsocamerica.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
ESA Webinar | This Friday, October 9: Get a practical overview of the current federal science and policy environment influencing entomological research. entsoc.org/events/webin...
The graphic includes a photo of ants (Carebara kunensis), public domain photo by oecophylla. The left side of the image has a transparent blue box with text that says, "ESA Webinar. Mapping the Terrain: Federal Sciece Priorities, Agency Funding, and the Advocacy Landscape Shaping Entomology Policy. Friday, October 9. 10 a.m. ET," and the ESA logo.
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MP Watch @mpwatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Shakespeare (& Sir Ian Mckellen) vs Far Right Xenophobia
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I have been obsessed with this story all week. This scandal is going to have so many consequences, including geo-political.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A female senator from Minnesota schooling a senator from Missouri about an Iowa mascot (associated with one of today’s most popular female athletes) during a high-stakes Senate hearing = Modern-day American politics.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A female senator from Minnesota schooling a senator from Missouri about an Iowa mascot (linked to one of today’s biggest female athletes) during a high-stakes Senate hearing. =Modern American politics. (While also sneaking in a gopher reference. 👏👏👏👏)
static.klipy.com
Gopher's Surprised Look
Alt: Gopher's Surprised Look
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The shrine failed miserably today. Sorry!
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
AA is a HUGE fan. And I am too when in town. Come visit us and join us for a game. This place is electric!
View of target center court at tip off. Game 1. Lynx vs Liberty.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Updated our #5 shrine. Let’s gooooo Lynx. #WNBA #MinnesotaLynx (Art by SetAdriftArt)
Picture of Minnesota mug with purple lavender, an altar candle featuring antman, and framed of Olivia Miles dribbling a basketball. All displayed on a wooden cabinet.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I’m excited about this truck.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
So, I’ve lived in the US legally for more than 40 yrs, but I’m not a US citizen. This latest SCOTUS ruling scares me. I KNOW those records are faulty because I get mailings sent to me that are intended for citizens only. Never signed a voter reg form, never set foot in a polling place. On purpose
static.klipy.com
Dog Funny Dog
Alt: Dog’s scared expression
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Mark King
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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
🌬Breeze @cool-summer-breeze.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is the Stolen Neighbors Quilt. Each of the 11,000 squares represents a person taken by ICE in Minnesota.
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Don Yee @mosquitolab.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We've long known mosquitoes travel with us including via plane. But infected mosquitoes carrying malarial parasites is a nightmare situation. Going to need to start fumigating. 🦟🦠✈️🧪
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Me, me, me, pick me….to do the review! I’m independent, external, fed up, fan of voetbal/football/soccer, I’m pro player, and i haz ideas.
theguardian.com
Infantino proposes an ‘independent external review’ of Fifa governance
The Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has agreed to commission an independent governance review, in the wake of the World Cup sale debacle
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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
Rick CarBOOso’s Private Fire Crew @amandasmith.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I just think it’s strange that all the gambling companies have ads with athletes and celebrities instead of featuring all their users who have become millionaires betting, very strange indeed
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Judy Stone @drjudystone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Florida confirms a death from #dengue as the state struggles with one of its worst recent outbreaks medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09...
medicalxpress.com
Florida confirms a death from dengue as the state struggles with one of its worst recent outbreaks
Florida is experiencing one of its worst surges of dengue fever in decades, and the toll now includes a death.
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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Hi if you are in Minneapolis and are this 25-to-30-year-old white woman, about 5'5", with brown hair and a curly-haired golden retriever-like dog, get medical attention immediately!
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taylr @taylordahlin.com · 19/09/2026
if you’re the white woman who was picking up a bat in downtown minneapolis on hennepin ave between washington & 3rd on 9/15 at noon, the minnesota department of health would like to talk to you because that shit was RABID! i would also like to talk to you because girl, wtf
mi
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
protecting, maintaining and improving the health of il Minesotans
RABID BAT FOUND ON SIDEWALK
On Tuesday, September 15 at about 12pm, a bat was found on the sidewalk on Hennepin Ave between N. Washington Ave and N 3°St.
The bat died and was sent for rabies testing. This bat tested positive for
rabies.
A woman was seen crouching by the bat and putting it into a bag. She was described as a 25-to-30-year-old white woman, about 5'5", with curly brown hair and a curly-haired golden retriever-like dog. If this was you, please call 911 and ask to be connected to Animal Care & Control.
Bites from bats are tiny, may be painless, and may not leave a mark. An person who had physical contact or touched this bat should talk with health care provider this weekend for assessment. During the week, Minnesota Department of Health can also provide rabies assessments at 651-201-5414.
If vou did not touch or have any contact with the bat, you have no risk of rabies and do not need shots.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Vaccinated! (Covid-19 & Flu) =Blue State living. Now will try to be as productive as possible for the rest of the day, before my body starts complaining for 24-48 hours as it usually does after these shots. Still, totally worth it. Thank you, Science!
static.klipy.com
Vaccinated Woman Illustration
Alt: Vaccinated Woman Illustration
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Is this how the US repays you for that nice new bridge?
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ugh, forgot the most important part: "I am a nearly 60-year old WOMAN"
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Tempted to have a T-shirt printed for walking around campus that says: “Yes, I’m almost 60 and thus almost invisible to you, but please move one step to the side so I don’t have to walk through the bushes to let you pass.” But more concise and with profanity.
static.klipy.com
Ricardo Hurtado Says Move It!
Alt: A college-aged person looks out toward the ocean. Meanwhile, a megaphone moves close to their ear and shouts, "Move it!"
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Musicology Duck @musicologyduck.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
also there are like ten people waiting outside Mitch’s house
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ashley fairbanks @ziibiing.com · 12/09/2026
i am incredibly excited to share our research about how paying people’s rent through mutual aid made an impact on minnesota this year we accidentally collected more data than anyone ever has for an effort like this, and can very seriously say we prevented an eviction bubble that everyone expected
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
This movie was produced to speak to a very specific audience: those on Team Jesse, & who have loved Costner’s voice since forever (swoon), are dog people, an regularly watch classic F1 races. And need something pulpy after a tough week. IOWs, specifically produced for ME! I didn’t stand a chance.
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Reposted by Marianne Alleyne
Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki designed eight buildings in Minnesota, 1958-1981. www.docomomo-us-mn.org/minoru-yamas...
docomomo-us-mn.org
Minoru Yamasaki in Minnesota
Minoru Yamasaki with Model, 1958. Image Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Sign of the times. Everyone in this train car looking at their phone. Everyone missing a gorgeous sunset right outside their window. 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Enjoyed my walk in the woods today. Finally traveled to a place (NH/VT) that wasn’t currently experiencing a heatwave. I haven’t felt chilled in an outdoor setting for many months. This suits me much better. Good to find inspiration in nature again.
Collage of fungi/slime of various colors and shapes. Middle picture is of a hiking sign.   Collage of fungi/slime of various colors and shapes.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I always approve of a double serving of insect and resistance art. #minnesotastatefair #mnstatefair #minnesota #mnsf
Art work displayed on white background showing the back of a woman (Renée Good?) with hair in a bun, surrounded by butterflies. With text: They whispered to her. You cannot withstand the storm. I am the storm. She whispered back. Art work won a third place e ribbon (also displayed). The artist is Sonja Bogart from Becker, MN.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I did! It’s my first time in Korea, and I’m smitten! Temples, cultural centers, public transport, the different neighborhoods, the markets, the people, and the food. Oh dear, the food! (Not a fan of heat and humidity, but it’s all worth it.)
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Jason Song Quinn (Comms Open) @hulkhoquinn.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Think about Miss Piggy. She lost a best friend and now an ex-lover in matter of 24 hours.
Miss Piggy and Dolly Parton in fancy dresses posing together photo of Tim Curry surrounded by muppets, smiling for a photo. A quote from curry is added “it didn’t go very well. It didn’t survive the shoot. She felt I wasn’t being faithful to her” it’s him discussing his ill fated affair with miss piggy
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Left a wish at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. (Busan, South Korea)
Collage with three images. Top image of many colorful lanterns seen from above, with ocean in the background. Bottom two images show message left on gold card under one of the lanterns. “May the world remember Dolly’s love and spirit forever and ever. M&A. 8/26/26”
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Charles C Roseman @evoroseman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
RE: freedom of speech, academic freedom, and race science. In this (long) thread, I’m going to 1) establish my bona fides on academic freedom and race science, 2) show why academic freedom and freedom of speech are different and… 1/34
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Ainsley S @americanbeetles.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Unrelatedly, 🚨🚨COOL BUG JOB ALERT🚨🚨 arthropod biodiversity at good ol’ Cal! I think lepidopterists are encouraged (in the Jerry Powell tradition) but for sheer “biodiversity” we can all admit beetles deserve this aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05523
aprecruit.berkeley.edu
Assistant Professor - Arthropod Biodiversity - Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
University of California, Berkeley is hiring. Apply now!
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Left a wish at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. (Busan, South Korea)
Collage with three images. Top image of many colorful lanterns seen from above, with ocean in the background. Bottom two images show message left on gold card under one of the lanterns. “May the world remember Dolly’s love and spirit forever and ever. M&A. 8/26/26”
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Tried to capture and channel this spirit. #HulkSmashNazis
Night time scene. Statue of the Hulk in Busan, seeming to emerge from the water. Bridge and fireworks in the background.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Matt, again, we are sooooo simpatico. Listen it almost continuously. Skin & Bones especially is so much fun.
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Thomas Hörren @thoerren.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Schwärmende Eintagsfliegen an der Donau in Budapest. Ephoron virgo, bei uns etwas wenig liebevoll „Uferaas“ genannt, ist dort die Danube fly, also Donau-Fliege. Wenn sie schwärmt, prägt sie das nächtliche Stadtbild. Nach wenigen Stunden ist das Spektakel vorbei.
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Alex Wild @alexwild.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Laugh all you want at Trump's Hormuz claims, but this is the historical tweet that the fire ants sent out in May 1975 and we all know what happened next
Graphic mimicking Donald Trump's Truth Social post that the Strait of Hormuz was "new US Territory", but it says "New Fire Ant Territory" with Texas marked on the map.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
🤷🏻‍♀️Reading this as I’m enjoying the many awesome brick-and-mortar AND street food options in Seoul. 🍜🍤🍲🥟🍞🍡🥬🍚🦐🥡🥢🫕
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Entomological Society of America @entsocamerica.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
🦟 It’s #WorldMosquitoDay — and Day 4 of Entomology Advocacy Week! Join entomologists in asking Congress to support critical vector-borne disease legislation, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act and SMASH 2.0 Act. Send your message: buff.ly/PZ53LmH #EntVocate
The image includes a photo of an Asian tiger mosquito. In the bottom left, there’s the ESA logo. In the top right, there is white text on a gray background that reads, “Entomology Advocacy Week 2026. Advance Vector-Borne Disease Legislation.” The photo is by Jessee J. Smith via iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147150937) under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Annyeonghaseyo, I’m visiting your amazing country and capital from the United States. I’m impressed by many things, including public transport, your food, and this reflecting pool. We have so much to learn. Teach me how it’s done.
Three workers dressed all in black cleaning reflecting pool in Seoul Forest Park with pressure hoses. High rises in the background.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I liked famtastic, since you are traveling as a fam. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Glad “my people” were able to accommodate. Safe travels home.
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Dr. Kate Feller @drkatefeller.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
New paper on seeing in air and water with compound eyes! The problem: physics The solution: physics Elegantly described with the dream team @tannermierow.bsky.social and @alexkingston.bsky.social royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article...
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
My Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications from entomologists with research portfolios in which INSECT BIODIVERSITY LOSS is a key element (at the assistant professor level). illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
Picture of a green tree-lined quad at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, with Foellinger Hall in the background. Skies are often this blue.
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Zooming in on insects.
theguardian.com
‘Once I started zooming in, I never stopped’: the mesmerising art of macro photography
Coverts describe a demanding form of capturing nature very close up that has grown in popularity in last few years
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Marianne Alleyne @cotesia.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Come be our colleague!!!! illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
Job posting that reads: 

Assistant Professor

Insect Declines

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 
The Department of Entomology and the School of Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invite applications from entomologists with research portfolios in which insect biodiversity loss is a key element, including understanding how anthropogenic stressors (such as land-use change, climate change, agriculture, invasive species, and pollution) are causing declines in insect abundance, biomass, species richness, or range size. Candidates whose work addresses amelioration of anthropogenic changes to species, populations, and people, and who are working to develop new strategies for insect and biodiversity conservation and long-term monitoring, are especially welcome to apply. We additionally encourage researchers who can build connections and expand research in understudied global regions.
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Karen James @kejames.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It’s that time again, friends. Time to share the greatest eclipse explainer ever.
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