iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

✨Spotlight on Ento Grad Student, Allison👇

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Amy Goodman, BSCI undergrad & Lamp lab member, is making a splash with her honor’s research, “Is Straw Addition an Effective Management Strategy to Increase Odonata Abundance and Diversity Within Farm Ponds?” www.lamplabmd.com/news/amy-awa...

Amy in waders standing in one of the WyeREC ponds on an overcast day

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Is there any chance the freezing streak in the D.C. area means fewer mosquitoes? Unfortunately, @umdentomology.bsky.social's Mike Raupp told @washingtonian.com, it "probably hasn’t been cold enough, long enough" to expect relief from the insects this summer. #BugSky

washingtonian.com

Sorry, DC’s Mosquitos Probably Survived the Snowcrete - Washingtonian

After a harsh winter in DC, the forecast is finally showing warmer days on the horizon. But balmy weather brings its own nuisances—namely, mosquitos. Is there any chance the brutal freezing streak mea...

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

We are proud to share that the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) recognized Mike Raupp with their highest honor-The TCIA Award of Merit. This award celebrates Mike’s commitment to elevating industry standards and equipping professionals with the knowledge needed to protect trees and ecosystems.

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Thanks to #AI, robots and an intrepid class of #UMD students, you can now see ants like never before. Meet Antscan—a free database offering micrometer-resolution 3D models of ant exoskeletons, muscles, stingers, nervous and digestive systems and more 🐜 go.umd.edu/antscan #BugSky

032

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

🎉Congratulations to Ph.D. candidate Ángela Sáenz, the inaugural recipient of the Allen Steinhauer Scholarship, awarded in recognition of her outstanding research accomplishments! go.umd.edu/2828

Congratulations to Ángela Sáenz, recipient of the inaugural Allen Steinhauer Scholarship | Department of Entomology | University of Maryland

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

📅Save the Date for an ento double header! Feb 19th at 7PM, The Bug Guy, Prof Emeritus Mike Raupp and MD State Entomologist Max Ferlauto present “Caterpillars in Winter in Two Acts.” www.marylandnature.org/get-involved...

011

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

✨Dr. Sara Via is wrapping up her 28-year career with University of Maryland. As Sara heads into retirement, we hope you will join us in celebrating her contributions to research, teaching, and climate education and wish her all the best in her next chapter! go.umd.edu/267l

Photo of Sara Via at ext talk. Photo over a gold and black celebratory background w/ stringed pennants and confetti

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

🦟Thanks Dr. Joshua Raji, Asst Prof at Baylor Univ, for stopping by UMD to share your research into mosquito chemoreceptors. By understanding more about mosquito olfactory processes, Joshua hopes to improve vector control methods & reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. go.umd.edu/267j

[Seminar Blog] From Sweat to Supper: The Sensory Science Behind Mosquito Host Detection | Department of Entomology | University of Maryland

Written by: Lillian Davis & Logan Lott

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Harriet Harris wrapped up BSCI481 last semester.The course was a deep dive into insect morphology, systematics & evolution that required a collection.Now, w/ a collection under their belt & UMDs vast teaching collection at their disposal, Harriet is excited to TA BSCI120 an intro course to insects.

student points to collection drawer in cabinet.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

💮🐝DYK that perfume flower orchids evolved exceptionally fast, thanks to their strange pollinators - euglossine bees. Dr. Jasen Liu studies these plant-insect interactions & stopped by UMD to share more about the importance of scent in the process of adaptation & speciation. 🐝💮https://go.umd.edu/2640

Mode of pollination and shape variation across the orchid phylogeny.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

✨🪰Pick Lab’s recent paper gets spotlight in Development. Learn about the inspiration behind their research, the challenges and breakthroughs they had in the lab along the way, and the key findings they eventually published. 🪰✨

012

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

New research co-authored by Dr. Evan Economo helps ant-swer fascinating questions about evolution in complex societies.👇

Anahí Espíndola (she/ella) @analyssi.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Look at this cool feature of one of our #EspindoLab grad students and her research! Go, Jenan!!💪🏼👩🏼‍🔬👩🏼‍💻 #NSFGRFP #FundScience

042

Reposted by UMD Entomology

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

@umdentomology.bsky.social graduate student Jenan El-Hifnawi (B.S. ’22, biological sciences) is studying the evolutionary history of bees in the Andes 🐝 Learn about her research experience with Entomology's Anahí Espindola (@analyssi.bsky.social) ⤵️ #EvoSky

Meet UMD Entomology Graduate Student Jenan El-Hifnawi | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland

Jenan El-Hifnawi (B.S.

062

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

🙏Thanks Dr. Abba Gumel for stopping by Entomology to share how mathematical models are being used to fight malaria. entomology.umd.edu/news/seminar...

entomology.umd.edu

[Seminar blog] Using Math to Fight Malaria

Entomology Seminar Blog

052

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Even with Champion status, Maryland Champion Trees are not invincible. UMD Prof Emeritus Mike Raupp names a few invasive insects that have had devastating effects on our region’s trees and shares lessons learned to mitigate their impacts. video.mpt.tv/video/growin...

video.mpt.tv

MPT Presents | Growing into Greatness: Maryland's Champion Trees

Maryland is home to 12 champion trees, recognized as the largest of their species in the U.S.

041

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

👋Say hello to Ryan the newest business paw-tner in Entomology’s administrative suite. Ryan is 9 month old cuddle bug who will hold in person office hours on occasion.🐶❤️

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

📓🐝This Thanksgiving break enjoy some reading off the sylla-buzz. Scroll through excerpts from a beekeeper's journal🐝📓 www.umdbeelab.com/last-week-in...

umdbeelab.com

Last Week in the Apiary

Feeding the last round of 2:1 syrup with bees at the bottom of the feeder. Photo by Eric Malcolm, November 13, 2025.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

🏆🪰When asked to share her research at #EntSoc25 #InsectTerp Yas Helbling said, "no probllama!" Her talk, “Comparison of 𝐴𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖 behavior on 𝑀𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎 stems with and without glandular trichomes” earned her 1st place in the Undergrad 10-Min Presentation competition. go.umd.edu/251i

person smiling next to llama in exhibit hall

120

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🦟UMD Alum Ben Burgunder (M.S. ’25, Fritz Lab) loves mosquitoes. He shares why even the peskiest species of mosquitoes are worth learning about. youtu.be/iUcaLgHRXxY?.... 🦟 🙏Thanks Natural History Society of Maryland for making this presentation available for broader audiences!

062

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

🌳🪲Biocontrol has had mixed outcomes. In some cases it has proved to be effective in others it has failed. Dan Gruner, entomologist @UofMaryland, chats w/@undarkmag about balancing the ecological risks & benefits of biocontrol strategies.🪲🌳 go.umd.edu/24ny

052

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

🐝🧬 Globally, bumble bees have over 400 known color patterns - far more than the 265 bumble bee species. Dr. Heather Hines, Prof at Penn State, stops by UMD to share her investigations into the genetic basis of these color patterns. 🧬🐝 go.umd.edu/24j8

[Seminar Blog] A Tiger Can’t Change its Stripes, but a Bumble Bee Can!

Entomology Seminar Blog

Entomological Society of America @entsocamerica.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Students: Are you ready for the 2nd annual Parasitoid Games at #EntSoc25? This networking opportunity is a great way to meet peers at the ESA Annual Meeting. What questions would you like to ask your host? Share in the comments and we may add them to the competition. www.entsoc.org/events/annua...

0145

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

🦟Turns out St. Leger Lab results are simply irresistible (queue the music🕺), to mosquitoes that is! St. Leger Lab helped develop a floral-scented fungus to attract and kill mosquitoes🦟 www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/s...

nytimes.com

This Genetically Engineered Fungus Could Help Fix Your Mosquito Problem

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

🦟Fritz lab helps debunk mosquito myth👇

Science Magazine @science.org · 28/10/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

A new genetic study in Science overturns the myth of the “London Underground Mosquito,” revealing that this common urban insect originated not below the cities of modern Europe, but in ancient Mediterranean civilizations more than a thousand years ago. scim.ag/43xWovB

scim.ag

Ancient origin of an urban underground mosquito

Understanding how life is adapting to urban environments represents an important challenge in evolutionary biology. In this work, we investigate a widely cited example of urban adaptation, Culex pipie...

04414

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Making its first bugpearance on winter term schedule INSECT APOCALYPSE - REAL OR IMAGINED?

Flyer for course. Yellow background, black, green and white text, insect graphics and photo of students collecting insects in stream

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Cleaning Dept of Ento cork boards unearthed these vintage insect information cards from Endangered Species Chocolate. Exciting to see insects showcased in conservation efforts during the late 90s and early 00s. Enjoy the throw back👇

insect photo cards with facts on the opposite side. Leafhopper, moths & butterflies.

insect fact cards with photos the opposite side. white background black text, species graphic.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

🧬 🐝 Dr. Stephania Sandoval Arango, USDA ARS Bee Research Lab, stopped by #UMD earlier this semester to explain why we shouldn't judge a bee by it's stripes alone. For more on her talk check out DNA on Display 🐝 🧬 go.umd.edu/2455

[Seminar Blog] Plant Phenology, Invasive Species, and Climate Change: A New Researcher in the Plant Sciences Department

Entomology Seminar Blog

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

🌳🐛Our newest downstairs neighbors, Dr. Dan Buonaiuto, studies how climate change affects biodiversity and the functions of plant communities with a particular focus on phenology. His research has fascinating implications for Entomology, we’re thrilled to explore those connections!🐛🌳go.umd.edu/244j

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Now that mosquitoes are evolving resistance against chemical pesticides, scientists are looking to nature in the fight against deadly insect-borne diseases. @umdentomology.bsky.social's Raymond St. Leger helped develop a new way to trap mosquitoes: a fungus that smells like flowers ⤵️ #BugSky

Scientists Develop Floral-Scented Fungus That Lures Mosquitoes to Their Doom | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland

This new strain of fungus mimics flowers to attract and kill mosquitoes, offering a new weapon in the fight agai

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

🔬InsectTerps in action! Amy Goodman (UMD BioSci major), intern at Entomology’s Lamp Lab is diving into research on wetland restoration. Today we caught up with her at a lab bench meticulously sorting arthropods from plant material. 🪲🌿

Undergrad student at lab bench looking into a microscope

samples from Jackson Lane site in container. Arthropods and plant material.

Undergrad student at lab bench sitting next to a microscope smiling

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

🔎🪲University of Maryland Insect Zoo is doing a double header this Saturday, not only teaming up with St. Mary's for some STEM fun but Carroll County Government Maryland too! Stop by these events to explore the amazing world of insects through hands-on stations. 🕷️🔍

event flyer with white background, text and environmental themed icons

event flyer with green, purple and blue background, text and environmental themed icons

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

🔎🪲UMD Insect Zoo is on tour this weekend, teaming up with St. Mary's for some STEM fun! Stop by to explore insects through hands-on stations. Learn cool bug facts, like how insects and other arthropods use mimicry to evade predators & the important role they play in our environment.🕷️🔍

STEM event Flyer. Green, purple and blue background with text and STEM related icons.

120

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

🌳🐝Interested in creating habitat for beneficial insects but just don't know where to start? Plant native! Ento Alums Lisa Kuder & Maddie Potter identify plants native to the region & explain how these plants support insect species with resources to thrive. go.umd.edu/23up 🐝🌳

MD Native Plant Guide Piedmont Region.pdf | Powered by Box

022

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

🎧 ‘To squish or not to squish?’ Michael Raupp, Professor Emeritus at University of Maryland shares current management strategies for spotted lanternflies. 🙏WAMU885 for reporting on insects and their impacts in the DMV! wamu.org/story/25/10/...

wamu.org

'To squish or not to squish?': an insect expert's guide to spotted lanternflies

Michael Raupp at the University of Maryland, College Park and author of the "Bug of the Week" blog, gives all you need to know about spotted lanternflies.

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

New York health officials recently confirmed the state's first locally acquired case of the chikungunya virus. See how @umdentomology.bsky.social's Raymond St. Leger is fighting chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases with fungi 🦟

youtu.be

Fighting Mosquitoes with Fungi

YouTube video by UMD Science

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Reposted by UMD Entomology

Maryland State Entomologist Max Ferlauto (Ph.D. '24, @umdentomology.bsky.social) spoke with @nytimes.com's @margaretroach.bsky.social about the role of fallen leaves in your yard's ecosystem 🍂 🪲🪳

nytimes.com

Why Leaving the Leaves Is Better for Your Yard

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

🎃🕸 Ento Alum, collaborators and friends - happen to be in the DMV Saturday, Oct 25th? Think about attending ESO's 2025 Oktoberfest. We would love to catch up! Need more details reach out to esoumd@gmail.com . 🕷🎃

Oktoberfest advert. Green gingham pattern backdrop with green and white text, QR code and insect graphics.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Not sure what to eat this weekend? Consider insects! The Lamp Lab shares the global benefits of entomophagy and tips on how, even the apprehensive, can introduce insects into their diets. 👇 today.umd.edu/surf-turf-an...

today.umd.edu

Surf, Turf—and Chirp? | Maryland Today

Entomology Team Delves Into Benefits, Challenges of Eating Insects

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

📦🪲Package from Carolina Science arrived via FedEx today, and guess what's inside?! Bess beetles! Interested in seeing these decomposers in action? Stop by the Insect Zoo during Family Weekend 12:30 - 2 p.m. at McKeldin Mall (Armory if rain) familyweekend.umd.edu/%F0%9F%AA%B2...

Bess beetle in clear container with wood and paper

022

Reposted by UMD Entomology

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

The #ScienceTerps Pop-Up Shop is back! Order from a selection of T-shirts, Under Armour polos, quarter-zips, hats and more! Open until October 13: umdcmnsfall25.itemorder.com

Graphic showing items available in the Science Terps pop-up shop, open until October 13

022

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

🏙️🦌Dr. Travis Gallo, Asst Prof in UMD's Dept of Environmental Science and Technology, researches ways to make space for wildlife in a concrete jungle. This semester Dr. Gallo met up with the Dept of Entomology to share his vison for cities where both people & nature thrive.🏙️🦌https://go.umd.edu/22wb

White-tailed deer fawns caught on a camera trap as part of Dr. Gallo’s research

A deer wearing a GPS collar to be tracked by Dr. Gallo’s research team

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

🦀A classic Maryland summer includes three prominent features: heat, humidity, & blue crabs. Before summer wrapped up we were honored to learn from Dr. J. Sook Chung, Prof at UMCES, about the life history & endocrinology of Maryland's favorite aquatic arthropod🦀 go.umd.edu/22vi

Speaker in front of lecture hall giving talk. Slideshow projected behind speaker with laptop in front of speaker.

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Awesome to see #ScienceTerps fostering community interest in conservation and research. Way to do good, Damani!

011

UMD Entomology @umdentomology.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

🌎🪳Hey #terps, DYK that one of the world’s largest species of cockroaches is on display in Plant Sciences Building 2nd floor atrium - the giant cave cockroach (𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑔𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑢𝑠). Stop by the display to see if you can spot these roaches in their various life stages - egg, nymph, and adult.🪳🌎

giant cave roaches resting on dried wood in terrarium