The Pea Aphid Genome

The genome sequence of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum was published today in PLoS. Concurrently, a set of supporting papers has come out in Insect Molecular Biology. This genome is significant for a number of reasons- it’s the first Hemipteran genome to be sequenced, aphids have an unusual reproductive cycle, and this particular species is [...]

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Formica integroides tending aphids

Photo details: Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens on a Canon EOS D60. ISO 100, f/13, 1/200 sec, twin flash diffused through tracing paper

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A Flurry of Soybean Aphids

It’s been snowing aphids the past few days here in Champaign-Urbana. Trillions of them are drifting across town, settling out on our garden, getting caught in our hair. I’ve never seen anything like it. I recently learned that this sternorrhynchan storm is composed of soybean aphids (Aphis glycines). That would explain all the aphid biomass. [...]

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The Yamazaki “Going Way Out On A Limb” Award

This morning I was picking through recent ant literature for a 2008 myrmecological retrospective post when I stumbled on this little gem. Why do autumn leaves change to such striking colors?  Kazuo Yamazaki thinks it’s all about the ants: Therefore, bright autumn leaves may have adaptive significance, attracting myrmecophilous specialist aphids and their attending ants [...]

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Birth of an Aphid

Macrosiphum rosae – Rose aphids Arizona

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Why I’m glad I’m not an insect (part 2)

I can’t imagine a more unpleasant way to go. This poor oleander aphid (Aphis nerii) has its innards sucked out by a hoverfly larva. photo details: Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens on a Canon 20D f/13, 1/250 sec, ISO 100 MT-24EX flash diffused through tracing paper levels adjusted in Photoshop.

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One of these Things is Not Like the Others

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