Bug Squad

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.

When a bee truck overturns, all sorts of things can happen. None of them is good--unless both the people and the bees fare well. Bystanders panic. Bees can and do react to all the commotion by stinging the first responders and the bystanders. It's especially difficult at night.