
Strange, spiny beetle discovered in Japan
16 June 2023
A new-to-science species of beetle is marked by a distinct yellow band on its shoulders, long hair-like scales all over its body and legs, and the unique shape of its torso

16 June 2023
A new-to-science species of beetle is marked by a distinct yellow band on its shoulders, long hair-like scales all over its body and legs, and the unique shape of its torso

17 February 2022
Experiments show that two species of mosquitoes change their behaviour after exposure to five common pesticides, which could make the chemicals less effective

23 August 2021
3D X-ray imaging and computer simulations suggest ants have developed a behavioural algorithm that allows them to excavate tunnels by using soil physics – the technique could eventually be harnessed to develop robotic mining machines

7 July 2021
A lubricant harvested from beetle legs reduces friction more effectively than Teflon. The wax-like material could be used in microrobotics and small prosthetics

21 October 2020
The diabolical ironclad beetle is almost uncrushable thanks to two newly discovered features of its exoskeleton. Mimicking these could help us build tougher structures

20 July 2020
The larvae of a north-east Asian beetle can biodegrade polystyrene, converting it to carbon dioxide and small chemical fragments, meaning they could help break down the millions of tonnes of polystyrene waste produced each year

25 September 2018
Spotted-wing drosophila have evolved a special organ for laying their eggs in fruit, but it makes it difficult for males to hold on when they mate