Pest and Diseases

By Denis Crawford

We are all familiar with predators such as ladybird beetles and lacewings, but some of the less familiar predators are just as important.

Ladybird beetles are certainly the most well-known predators and common species are instantly recognisable with their bright colours and dark spots.… Continue reading

By Denis Crawford

Insects are the only invertebrates that can fly, and flight has allowed insects to dominate most terrestrial ecosystems.

Insects first took to the air 350 to 400 million years ago, but like most evolutionary developments, it didn’t happen overnight.… Continue reading

By Denis Crawford

Think weevil, think pest? Think again. Weevils are incredibly diverse, and some species are plant pollinators.

With about 400,000 species worldwide, the insect order Coleoptera (beetles) accounts for about 25% of all animal species on earth. 20% of those beetles are weevils of the superfamily Curculionoidea.… Continue reading

By Denis Crawford

There is a long and fascinating history of mass rearing of various insects, and it seems that the practice is set to expand somewhat.

There has been a lot of press in the last couple of years about farming insects for human consumption.… Continue reading