A close-up of a loud cicada perched on a tree, with visible vibrating sound structures

The Loudest Insect on Earth and Why It Screams

Muhammad Sharif

In the vast symphony of nature, one performer stands out above all others with its ear-splitting solo. The African cicada *Brevisana brevis* holds the undisputed title of the loudest insect on Earth, capable of producing sounds reaching an astonishing 106.7 decibels. To put this in perspective, that’s louder than a chainsaw, jackhammer, or even a ...

World map showing the global distribution and expansion of the Asian tiger mosquito

The Long Flight of the Asian Tiger Mosquito A Global Pest Success Story

Muhammad Sharif

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has written one of the most remarkable invasion narratives in modern ecological history. Recognizable by its striking black and white striped pattern, this small insect has managed what few species have achieved: successful colonization of five continents in just a few decades. While we typically celebrate success stories in ...

Map of the United States showing the spread of invasive insect supercolonies across multiple states

Invasive Insects That Form Supercolonies Across Multiple States

Muhammad Sharif

In the complex world of entomology, few phenomena are as alarming as invasive insect supercolonies—vast networks of cooperative insects that spread across multiple states, overwhelming native ecosystems with their sheer numbers and adaptability. Unlike typical insect colonies with territorial boundaries, supercolonies represent a remarkable evolutionary strategy where genetically similar populations recognize each other as nestmates ...

View of a backyard garden as seen from ground level, mimicking an insect’s perspective

Would You Survive as a Bug in Your Own Garden

Muhammad Sharif

Gardens are enchanting spaces where humans cultivate beauty, grow food, and connect with nature. But have you ever wondered what life would be like if you suddenly found yourself transformed into one of the countless insects that inhabit your garden? The survival odds, daily challenges, and unexpected wonders would certainly shift your perspective on this ...

Swarm of Argentine ants spreading across a map of the United States

The Argentine Ant Supercolony Taking Over American Soil

Muhammad Sharif

Beneath our feet, a silent invasion has been reshaping America’s ecological landscape for over a century. The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), a seemingly unremarkable brown ant measuring just 2-3 millimeters long, has established what scientists now recognize as one of the largest supercolonies on Earth. Unlike most ant species whose colonies fight fiercely over territory, ...

Assorted makeup products alongside images of insects like cochineals and bees

Insect Fragments in Your Makeup How Bugs Power the Beauty Industry

Muhammad Sharif

From shimmering eyeshadows to vibrant lipsticks, the beauty industry captivates consumers with products promising transformation and enhancement. Yet behind the glamorous packaging and marketing lies a surprising ingredient that many consumers remain unaware of: insects. The beauty industry has a long-standing relationship with these tiny creatures, incorporating their bodies, secretions, and by-products into countless formulations. ...

Collage of insects emerging during different natural disasters like fire and flood

Insects That Time Their Lives Around Natural Disasters

Muhammad Sharif

Nature, in all its unpredictable glory, presents countless challenges to its inhabitants. Among the most resilient creatures on Earth, insects have developed fascinating adaptations to not only survive natural disasters but, in some cases, to synchronize their life cycles with these catastrophic events. From floods to fires, volcanic eruptions to hurricanes, certain insect species have ...

Close-up of a California trapdoor spider emerging from its hidden burrow

The California Trapdoor Spider An Ambush Artist Beneath Your Feet

Muhammad Sharif

When strolling through California’s natural landscapes, few people realize that beneath their feet lies a masterful hunter with ancient origins. The California trapdoor spider, a remarkable arachnid that has perfected the art of ambush predation, remains largely unseen despite its widespread presence throughout the state. These fascinating creatures construct ingenious burrows capped with camouflaged doors, ...

Illustration of a human-sized beetle towering over a person in a city street

What If Insects Were Human Sized A Physics Breakdown of Bug Giants

Muhammad Sharif

The concept of human-sized insects has been a staple of science fiction and horror for decades, from the giant ants in “Them!” to the massive arachnids in “Eight Legged Freaks.” These imaginative scenarios tap into our innate fascination with the alien world of insects, while simultaneously playing on our primal fears. But beyond the realm ...

Cargo ship unloading containers with illustrated insect silhouettes emerging

From Cargo to Catastrophe How Global Trade Fuels Insect Invasions

Muhammad Sharif

In today’s interconnected world, goods and materials traverse oceans and continents at unprecedented rates, creating a global marketplace that has transformed economies and societies. Yet beneath this remarkable achievement of human commerce lurks an insidious threat: hitchhiking invasive insects that wreak havoc on ecosystems and economies worldwide. From the emerald ash borer devastating North American ...