UW-Madison Department of Entomology

For potato growers in Wisconsin and beyond, the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) can be a significant pest and this insect is notorious for its ability to develop resistance to many of the management approaches used. Recently, Dr. Sean Schoville and colleagues took a deep dive into the genetics of this pest, which has provided important clues to understanding these insects.

‘Super pest’ Colorado potato beetle has the genetic resources to sidestep our attacks: https://entomology.wisc.edu/2022/02/18/super-pest-colorado-potato-beetle-has-the-genetic-resources-to-sidestep-our-attacks/

Photo credit: Zach Cohen

What's the "latest and greatest" from UW-Entomology? Check out the recent issue of our Entomology Digest for news and updates from the department:

Entomology Digest – Spring 2022 – UW Entomology Entomology Digest – Spring 2022 February 14, 2022February 15, 2022 | By Ben Bradford Letter from the Chair Entomology Community and Friends of the Department, “A return to normal?” We are fortunate to be in the process of recruiting two new faculty to the Department this Spring, 2022. The firs...

It's time to do those daily tick checks! Tiny deer tick nymphs are very active in June and early July. Check out the TickApp website at https://thetickapp.org/ for more information and download the app if you would like to participate in our study of tick bite prevention behaviors and reducing the risk of Lyme disease exposure.

(no title) YOUR ON-THE-GO TICK EXPERT

Are you interested in entomology and scientific illustration? You’re in luck!

We’re excited to announce Entomology Special Topics 375: Illustrating Insects, which will be offered during the 2021 summer term. This new, 3-credit virtual course taught by Jacki Whisenant will introduce students to traditional and digital scientific illustration, infographics, and other topics over 6 weeks.

New today in PNAS, a Special Feature on "The Global Decline of Insects in the Anthropocene," with 12 research articles + a news feature. The intro article frames the global threats to insects as "death by a thousand cuts." See the full collection at https://www.pnas.org/content/118/2

If you're seeing lots of lady beetles this week, you aren't alone! Multicolored Asian lady beetles are surprisingly abundant this fall across Wisconsin and they're seeking out sheltered overwintering spots which can include homes and other structures:

Busy beetles: lady beetles take to the air and our homes Asian lady beetles are very active this fall across Wisconsin and are currently seeking overwintering spots in homes and other locations.

Think you've spotted an Asian giant hornet (aka "murder hornet") in Wisconsin? You've most likely seen a common native insect known as a "cicada killer wasp". These large wasps are common this time of the year and hunt cicadas which they feed to their young. Learn more about these insects from our insect diagnostician, PJ Liesch: https://insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/2015/07/27/cicada-killers/

Wisconsin is synonymous with "The Dairy State", but it wasn't always so. Did you know that a tiny black & white insect known as the chinch bug played an important role in shifting Wisconsin from wheat to dairy?



Find the full story here:

Chinch Bug: How a Tiny Insect Helped Wisconsin Become the Dairy State Wisconsin wasn't always the Dairy State. In the 1800's several things, including the tiny chinch bug shifted Wisconsin agriculture from wheat to dairy.

With warmer temperatures coming next week, it's a good time of the year to spot some of Wisconsin's early season butterflies. Check out this guide from the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab to learn how to identify five common springtime species:

5 Spring Butterflies to Brighten Your Day - Insect Diagnostic Lab Learn about five of the commonest spring butterflies of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.

With the climbing temperatures, ticks are becoming active in the Midwest. Make sure to take proper precautions!

Such an important message. 👉 don’t hibernate. 😳 Protect yourself and your family while you're enjoying the great on these warm days. https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/health-department/communicable-disease/tick-borne-disease

UW-Madison entomologists play a key role in monitoring ticks in the Midwest. By using The Tick App, you can help researchers learn more about when and where ticks are encountered. Check out this great video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yGyLr2dkzo&feature=youtu.be

The Tick App in the Midwest Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, can transmit Lyme Disease. We're more aware of them in the spring and summer, but the adult ticks can be active in...

Congratulations to entomology department alumna, Dr. Kimberly Wallin, who was recently selected to serve as the dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at North Dakota State University: https://www.ndsu.edu/news/view/detail/56054/