#Insects

Deadpool fly and other Marvellous new species named

We’ve marvelled at and named 165 new species in the past year. They include a fly named after Marvel character Deadpool.

Discover new Australian species at home with Bush Blitz

Bush Blitz is Australia’s largest species discovery program where scientists go on expeditions. But they're taking it online this year. And you can help.

Sunflowers help researchers advise on managing cotton pests

We’ve planted sunflowers between rows of cotton to act as windbreaks and so that helpful insects to thrive and help deal with insect pests. In turn, this helps cotton farmers limit their use of harsh insecticides. It’s part of what’s called integrated pest management.

Moths swarm on Queensland bank

The current population explosion and mass migration of moths and butterflies in Queensland is due to recent rain.

Modified mozzies to help derail dengue fever

In partnership with the University of California San Diego, we’ve engineered a mosquito resistant to spreading all four types of the devastating dengue virus.

The impact of bushfires on Australian insects

Discover some of the ways bushfires harm and benefit different species of insects.

Scientists fear insect populations are shrinking. Here are six ways to help

Insects are vital to sustaining life on Earth – and their numbers are falling fast. So consider ditching the fly spray and see what you can do to help.

Meet Samia: the first Tunisian woman to set foot in Antarctica

Our research scientist Samia Elfekih travels the world fighting the mosquito-borne diseases afflicting hundreds of millions of people. Her next stop: Antarctica.

The Very Hungry Spider Wasp, a horror story

Spider wasps are pollinators of beautiful native plants. They’re also body snatchers that parasitise spiders as hosts for their offspring.

Top dog: stamping out yellow crazy ants

We’ve brought in the dogs to sniff out one of the world’s most invasive pests.

Pollinators assemble! Superheroes of the garden

Forget Spiderman, the real heroes are living in your very own gardens. That’s right, we’re talking about insects.

Sex lives of flies could be key to tackling food waste

Our insect behaviour experts have gone under the sheets to find out what gets flies in the mood in a bid to produce more eggs for food waste management.