silver and black beads on brown wooden drawer

The Insects Living in Your Walls, Mattress, and Books

Rica Rosal

While we often think of our homes as clean sanctuaries, the truth is we’re never truly alone. Hidden within the nooks and crannies of our living spaces exists a secret world of tiny arthropod inhabitants that have evolved alongside human habitation for thousands of years. From the silent crawlers in our walls to the microscopic ...

a man in a white coat

The Ethics of Killing Bugs: Are We Doing Enough (or Too Much)?

Rica Rosal

Every day, humans around the world kill countless insects—swatting flies, spraying mosquitoes, crushing spiders, and deploying chemical warfare against ants invading our kitchens. These actions often occur without a second thought, dismissed as insignificant due to the seemingly infinite numbers of insects that populate our planet. Yet as our understanding of insect cognition, ecological importance, ...

Scarab beetle on a leaf

Insects in Culture: From Ancient Symbols to Modern Tattoos

April Joy Jovita

Insects, the tiny but mighty creatures that outnumber humans by millions to one, have crawled, fluttered, and buzzed their way into human culture since the dawn of civilization. These small invertebrates have inspired awe, fear, reverence, and artistic expression across continents and throughout millennia. From the sacred scarab beetles of ancient Egypt to the butterfly ...

Collage of animated insect characters from movies, games, and shows

From Pokémon to Pixar How Pop Culture Gets Insects Surprisingly Right and Wrong

Muhammad Sharif

Insects buzzing through our favorite animated films, video games, and television shows often serve as more than mere background characters. From the determined ant colonies of Pixar to the battle-ready bugs of Pokémon, pop culture’s interpretation of insects represents a fascinating intersection of scientific fact and creative liberty. These tiny creatures, which make up more ...

Illustrated map highlighting global regions where insects are commonly eaten

Insects on the Menu Where People Eat Bugs and Why You Might Too

Muhammad Sharif

When most Western diners sit down for dinner, the idea of insects crawling across their plate would typically inspire horror rather than hunger. Yet for approximately 2 billion people worldwide, eating insects isn’t just acceptable—it’s traditional, nutritious, and often delicious. Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has sustained human populations for millennia and is gaining ...

House dust mite

The Friendly Bugs You Accidentally Kill Every Day (And Why It Matters)

Sylvia Duruson

Every day, humans inadvertently become mass exterminators of beneficial microorganisms that silently support our ecosystems and even our own bodies. From the morning shower to evening chores, our routine activities lead to the demise of countless microscopic allies. These tiny organisms—bacteria, fungi, mites, and other invertebrates—perform critical ecological functions that maintain environmental balance and human ...

Capturing a dynamic splash of milk on a spoon in mid-air with dark background.

Cockroach Milk: The Superfood You Didn’t Ask For (But Might Need)

Sylvia Duruson

In a world constantly searching for the next nutritional breakthrough, sometimes innovation comes from the most unexpected—and perhaps unwelcome—sources. Enter cockroach milk, a substance that has scientists intrigued and consumers raising eyebrows. This secretion from a specific species of cockroach has been found to contain a nutritional profile that rivals some of our most celebrated ...

Case-bearing Clothes Moth, Tinea pellionella

Bugs in Your Wardrobe: The Secret Life of Clothes Moths

Sylvia Duruson

When you notice small holes appearing mysteriously in your favorite wool sweater or find silky webbing in the corners of your closet, you’re witnessing evidence of one of fashion’s most persistent pests. Clothes moths may be tiny and elusive, but their impact on our wardrobes can be devastating. These small insects have evolved specifically to ...

Students taking a closer look at stream insects

The Best Ways to Watch Insects in the Wild Without Disturbing Them

April Joy Jovita

Insects represent the most diverse group of organisms on our planet, with over a million described species and potentially millions more awaiting discovery. Observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats provides a window into complex behaviors, remarkable adaptations, and intricate ecological relationships that often go unnoticed. However, effective insect watching requires special techniques that ...

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. ...