This study investigates the laboratory biology and morphology of the parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae, which targets Drosophila flies, including the invasive Drosophila suzukii. Key findings include a detailed description of the parasitoid's egg, three larval instars, and pupal stage, as well as unique behaviors such as siblicide and encapsulation in cases of superparasitism. The paper also provides morphological distinctions between T. drosophilae and related species, contributing to its identification and aiding future studies on its role in biological control.

This field mesocosm study examined the top-down effects of hyperparasitoids, parasitoids and aphids on plant growth and fitness. Parasitoids reduced aphid populations, but this effect was attenuated by hyperparasitoids. However, these multitrophic interactions did not affect plant traits and reproduction, likely due to the plant's fast life cycle and high tolerance to herbivory.

De voorbije weken werden her en der in Vlaanderen nachtvlinders waargenomen die je normaal vooral in de periode mei-juli ziet. Door de warme temperaturen ontstaat er bij die soorten een ‘extra generat...

To assess the biocontrol potential on the main arthropod pests of clementine orchards in Corsica, laboratory experiments were carried out using five potential predators. Their prey range and voracity were tested on three pest species. Then, a global predation rate index was calculated at the scale of the entire community of insect predators. There was no major effect of the type of management of the orchards; only the contributor was different, and their abundances varied between each orchard.

Predation methods vary widely in their ability to quantify biological control. Estimating predation rates (the number of prey killed per predator per time unit) is crucial. Combining predation rates…

From emerging technologies to real-world impact, #InnovationsInEntomology will showcase how research is driving advances across agriculture, biodiversity and public health.

Grote grazers zoals koeien en paarden worden vaak behandeld met ontwormingsmiddelen. Via uitwerpselen komen die ook in het milieu terecht. Duitse onderzoekers gingen na wat de impact daarvan is, niet ...

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF2) in ovaries of Rhipicephalus microplus partially engorged females. Ovaries from females at different feeding stages were used to detect IGF2.

Fanning is the active, deliberate movement of wings to generate airflow. It is a widespread behaviour observed across taxa and has evolved into a multifunctional tool in social insects for thermoregul...

Wie begin augustus langs een bloedende boom liep, kon zomaar tientallen atalanta’s tegenkomen. Op verschillende plekken werden grote aantallen van deze opvallende vlinders gezien, allemaal druk bezig op de stam. Wat zoeken al die vlinders daar?

Upon Riptortus pedestris feeding, salivary RPMINPP1 is secreted into host soybean tissues, where it partially hydrolyzes IP6 into inorganic phosphate (Pi) to facilitate seed content ingestion. Simult...

Join us during Insect Week to explore some of the latest research and conservation projects about true flies (Diptera).

Wil je als onderzoeker bijdragen aan het behoud van biodiversiteit en de toekomst van onze leefomgeving? Dan is deze kans bij Naturalis in Leiden voor jou!

Ontdek de fascinerende wereld van de sociale wespen tijdens de Basiscursus wespen op 10 oktober 2026 in De Meern. Een centrale plek vlakbij Utrecht.

We reported the first evidence of cannibalism in Earias insulana (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), a significant pest of okra and other crops. Laboratory and field observations showed that cannibalism was frequent, especially under crowded conditions, but did not improve survival or reproductive performance. Larvae preferred diets containing conspecific material, suggesting chemical cues influence feeding. Field data suggested behavioral avoidance of conspecifics. Generally, cannibalism in E. insulana appears to provide little direct benefit but may help regulate population density and reduce predation risk.

De VroegBij campagne helpt de vroege bij hommel en bestuiver in het voorjaar met korting op zaden, bomen en bollen.

De geelpoothoornaar komt inmiddels in vrijwel heel het land voor. De komende maanden zullen steeds meer mensen een nest opmerken of per ongeluk een nest verstoren. Een aantal tips: check op aanwezigh...

Er is veel onrust over de Geelpoothoornaar (voorheen: Aziatische hoornaar). Er wordt opgeroepen om deze soort te bestrijden en er gaan allerlei horrorverhalen rond over de soort. Wat is daarvan waar en wat is het standpunt van de sectie Hymenoptera ?

A comparative evaluation of three pollination strategies in Diplotaxis tenuifolia is presented herein. The eristalini hoverflies Eristalis tenax and Eristalinus aeneus were found to be superior polli...

Transposable elements (TEs) are key contributors to genome evolution, yet their macroevolutionary roles in adaptive radiations remain poorly understood, as high-quality genomic resources at sufficient...

Save the date: on Saturday 3 October 2026, NIOO will open its doors again to visitors for our Big Open Day. From 11:00 to 17:00, everyone will be welcome. Seize your chance to take a look in our labs ...

Interesse in onderzoek naar hoe de natuur werkt? Op zaterdag 3 oktober opent het Nederlands Instituut voor Ecologie in Wageningen de deuren voor het publiek. Iedereen is welkom van 11.00 tot 17.00 uur. De grote Open Dag wordt maar eens in de drie jaar georganiseerd dus mis het niet!