Bug Squad

If you're trying to fuse art with science and want to draw a wasp on a penny-farthing, but the legs are too short to reach the pedals, there's only one thing to do: lengthen the legs! And create a "new species" of wasp in the process.

Research published today in the journal Nature about neonicintoid pesticide exposure and bumble bees is causing quite the buzz, and keeping noted bumble bee expert Robbin Thorp busy fielding phone calls.

If you like to photograph insects, and want to know more about macro photography and entomology, then "BugShot Austin 2016" may be something to consider-- for either yourself or as a gift for someone.

Sex in the afternoon. On the passionflower vine. That's what happened today on the Passiflora (see images below). Coming soon, more Gulf Fritillaries. The Gulf Frit (Agraulis vanillae), an orangish-reddish butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, is as spectacular as it is showy.

When the Entomological Society of America meets Nov. 15-18 in Minneapolis, Minn., it will be all about insects and synergy.