Two cicadas resting on a pine shaped rock

What Insect Noises Are Actually Saying (And How We Decode Them)

Sylvia Duruson

The next time you’re sitting outside on a warm summer evening, pause for a moment and really listen. That symphony surrounding you isn’t just random noise – it’s one of the most sophisticated communication networks on Earth. Every chirp, buzz, hum, and click carries a specific message, whether it’s a desperate plea for romance, a ...

Detailed image of a great spangled fritillary butterfly showcasing vibrant orange patterns in nature.

The Hidden Function of Beauty: What Entomologists Are Learning from Striking Insect Designs

Sylvia Duruson

Beneath the kaleidoscopic wings of butterflies, the metallic sheen of beetles, and the intricate patterns adorning countless insects lies more than mere aesthetic appeal. For centuries, we’ve marveled at these designs as nature’s art gallery, but modern entomology reveals a deeper story: these stunning displays serve critical evolutionary functions. From camouflage and warning signals to ...

The Evolution of Insect Societies: From Solitary Survival to Superorganisms

Rica Rosal

The natural world teems with remarkable examples of social organization, but few are as intricate and fascinating as insect societies. From the lone wasp foraging for her offspring to the complex metropolis of an ant colony with millions of inhabitants, the spectrum of social behavior in insects offers a window into one of evolution’s most ...