Insects are the invisible architects of our existence. They are the base of the global food chain, the primary pollinators of the crops that put food on our tables, and the tireless recyclers of organic waste. Without them, agriculture would collapse. Now scientists say that insects are vanishing worldwide, their buzz turns to eerie silence across fields and forests.  Experts warns: this quiet signals humanity's tipping point.

The World is Falling Silent: Why Vanishing Insects Are an Ominous Warning

Insects are disappearing at an alarming rate—and the consequences could be catastrophic. From pollination and food security to ecosystems and climate balance, insects play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth.

The Insect Effect: Insect Decline & the Future of Our Planet

6 Animals With An Amazing Sense Of Direction

Salmon

Pigeons

Sea Turtles

Elephants

Bees

Dolphins

Animals: Discover the fascinating navigation skills of animals with an amazing sense of direction, like salmon, pigeons, and sea turtles, which use magnetic fields and memory.

The largest bug to ever live on Earth was a massive arthropod known as Arthropleura, which could reach up to 9 feet long and weigh around 50 kilograms. This giant creature, which lived during the Carboniferous period about 300 million years ago, resembled a massive millipede and thrived in the lush, oxygen-rich forests of prehistoric Earth. Its size was supported by the high oxygen levels of the time, allowing arthropods to grow to extraordinary proportions. Arthropleura dominated the forest floor, feeding on plant material and playing a key role in its ecosystem.

Largest Bug To Ever Live On Earth: 50 Kg, Nine Foot Long Arthropod

It is the end of an eternal love story between flowers and insects according to a new study, flowers are now giving up on pollinators and evolving to be less attractive now due to decline in the number of insects.

Flowers evolving towards self-pollination as 10% of insect population lost in last 150 years

<p>Millions of flightless crickets swarming their towns have left residents of a US state in a state of panic. Since early June, parts of Nevada have experienced an onslaught of Mormon crickets, which can grow up to 5cm in length.</p>

<p>While infestations of crickets are not uncommon in western US, locals have noticed an alarming increase in their numbers during these boom periods.</p>

<p>Colette Reynolds, a resident of Elko, captured the gravity of the situation in a TikTok video, revealing her home covered in these crawling insects.</p>

<p>The invasion started in her area on June 11, and within three days, the cricket population had multiplied significantly. The unsettling presence of these crickets has sparked concern and distress among the affected community.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Mormon, crickets invading Elko , Nevada <a href="https://t.co/wsH7pwBqtV">pic.twitter.com/wsH7pwBqtV</a></p>
— CarolynTheEvangelist™️ ✟ (@ViscontiCarolyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ViscontiCarolyn/status/1668415965166546969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“Our entire neighbourhood is flooded with these things, our whole town is,” Reynolds said in her video, reported 7news.</p>

<p>“It’s just maddening. I haven’t been able to sleep in two nights because (of) knowing they’re out here. It’s just freaking me out,” she added.</p>

<p>As patients arrived at the Northeastern Nevada Regional hospital, staff members found themselves resorting to unconventional methods to prevent the invading crickets from entering the premises. Armed with leaf blowers and brooms, the hospital staff fought to keep the relentless insects at bay, ensuring that the interior remained cricket-free. This extraordinary effort was necessary due to the ongoing influx of crickets in the surrounding area, causing disruptions and requiring creative measures to maintain a pest-free environment for patient care.</p>

<p>“At one point, we even had a tractor with a snowplough just to try and push the piles of crickets and keep them moving on their way,” the hospital’s director of community relations Steve Borrows told NBC affiliate KSL.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-pm-modis-fan-gets-car-number-plate-nmodi-ahead-of-his-us-visit-605533">Indian PM Modi's fan gets car number plate 'NMODI' ahead of his US visit</a></p>

<p><strong>Mormon&nbsp;crickets and recent swarming patterns</strong></p>

<p>The name "Mormon crickets" finds its roots in a significant event from the mid-1800s when these insects caused widespread destruction to the crops of a Mormon settlement in the Salt Lake area. This historical episode led to the adoption of the name to describe this particular species of crickets.</p>

<p><strong>Return to Nevada and Utah Infestation</strong></p>

<p>After a brief hiatus, the Mormon crickets have made a comeback in Nevada with their recent swarm. However, it was the neighboring state of Utah that faced an unparalleled infestation in its history in 2022. Over 2.5 million acres of land were affected as these swarming insects caused substantial disruptions, as per 7news reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blinken stresses on better US-China communications as he heads to Beijing</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-stresses-on-better-us-china-communications-as-he-heads-to-beijing-605452/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Drought and population booms</strong></p>

<p>Researchers have drawn a connection between the population booms of Mormon crickets and extended periods of drought. Nevada, in particular, witnessed its driest conditions in two decades during the previous year, setting the stage for the current surge in the cricket population. This suggests that the scarcity of moisture and adverse environmental conditions create an ideal breeding ground for these insects, leading to their rapid multiplication.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Millions of flightless crickets swarming their towns have left residents of a US state in a state of panic. Since early June, parts of Nevada have experienced an onslaught of Mormon crickets, which can grow up to 5cm in length.

Millions of flightless crickets swarming their towns have left residents of a US state in a state of panic. Since early June, parts of Nevada have experienced an onslaught of Mormon crickets, which can grow up to 5cm in length. While infestations of crickets are not uncommon in western US, locals have noticed an alarming increase in their numbers during these boom periods. Colette Reynolds, a resident of Elko, captured the gravity of the situation in a TikTok video, revealing her home covered in these crawling insects. The invasion started in her area on June 11, and within three days, the cricket population had multiplied significantly. The unsettling presence of these crickets has sparked concern and distress among the affected community. Mormon, crickets invading Elko , Nevada pic.twitter.com/wsH7pwBqtV — CarolynTheEvangelist™️ ✟ (@ViscontiCarolyn) June 13, 2023 × “Our entire neighbourhood is flooded with these things, our whole town is,” Reynolds said in her video, reported 7news. “It’s just maddening. I haven’t been able to sleep in two nights because (of) knowing they’re out here. It’s just freaking me out,” she added. As patients arrived at the Northeastern Nevada Regional hospital, staff members found themselves resorting to unconventional methods to prevent the invading crickets from entering the premises. Armed with leaf blowers and brooms, the hospital staff fought to keep the relentless insects at bay, ensuring that the interior remained cricket-free. This extraordinary effort was necessary due to the ongoing influx of crickets in the surrounding area, causing disruptions and requiring creative measures to maintain a pest-free environment for patient care. “At one point, we even had a tractor with a snowplough just to try and push the piles of crickets and keep them moving on their way,” the hospital’s director of community relations Steve Borrows told NBC affiliate KSL. Also read | Indian PM Modi's fan gets car number plate 'NMODI' ahead of his US visit Mormon crickets and recent swarming patterns The name "Mormon crickets" finds its roots in a significant event from the mid-1800s when these insects caused widespread destruction to the crops of a Mormon settlement in the Salt Lake area. This historical episode led to the adoption of the name to describe this particular species of crickets. Return to Nevada and Utah Infestation After a brief hiatus, the Mormon crickets have made a comeback in Nevada with their recent swarm. However, it was the neighboring state of Utah that faced an unparalleled infestation in its history in 2022. Over 2.5 million acres of land were affected as these swarming insects caused substantial disruptions, as per 7news reports. Also watch | Blinken stresses on better US-China communications as he heads to Beijing Drought and population booms Researchers have drawn a connection between the population booms of Mormon crickets and extended periods of drought. Nevada, in particular, witnessed its driest conditions in two decades during the previous year, setting the stage for the current surge in the cricket population. This suggests that the scarcity of moisture and adverse environmental conditions create an ideal breeding ground for these insects, leading to their rapid multiplication. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Insect apocalypse? Creepy-crawly crickets swarm US town

<p>Scientists in Serbia have named a beetle after their country's legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, crediting the insect’s speed, strength, flexibility, durability and ability to survive in a difficult environment.</p>

<p>The beetle has been named Duvalius Dokovici, researcher Nikola Vesovic said. According to local media reports, the insect belongs to the Duvalius genus of ground beetles that are present in Europe.</p>

<p>According to Vesovic, the beetle is a specialised underground Coleoptera beetle—a predator which lost its eyes living deep underground.</p>

<p>“I proposed to name the new species after Djokovic,” Vesovic told Tanjug news agency.</p>

<p>“He is the man who did much for this country. We feel urged to pay him back in the way we can.”</p>

<p>In an Instagram post, the scientist described the insect as "a specialised, blind, subterranean ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) found in a pit near the town of Ljubovija" in the west of the Balkan country.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZyfySqq6v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZyfySqq6v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZyfySqq6v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZyfySqq6v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nikola Vesović (@insects.veson)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Vsevic published the discovery in the journal “Annales Zoologi Fennici”,&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few months ago, a freshwater snail in Montenegro was also named after the tennis star.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after a two-month absence, Djokovic finally returned to action. The 35-year-old Tennis maverick, who has won 21 Grand Slam trophies, recently clinched the Tel Aviv Open—his third title this season—after winning a seventh Wimbledon crown in July.</p>

<p>On Friday, he played against Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals of the Astana Open, which also features fourth-ranked Russian Daniil Medvedev who is also in the last eight. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the first round.&nbsp;Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE: </strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Scientists in Serbia have named a beetle after their country's legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, crediting the insect’s speed, strength, flexibility, durability and ability to survive in a difficult environment.

Scientists in Serbia have named a beetle after their country's legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, crediting the insect’s speed, strength, flexibility, durability and ability to survive in a difficult environment. The beetle has been named Duvalius Dokovici, researcher Nikola Vesovic said. According to local media reports, the insect belongs to the Duvalius genus of ground beetles that are present in Europe. According to Vesovic, the beetle is a specialised underground Coleoptera beetle—a predator which lost its eyes living deep underground. “I proposed to name the new species after Djokovic,” Vesovic told Tanjug news agency. “He is the man who did much for this country. We feel urged to pay him back in the way we can.” In an Instagram post, the scientist described the insect as "a specialised, blind, subterranean ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) found in a pit near the town of Ljubovija" in the west of the Balkan country. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikola Vesović (@insects.veson) × Vsevic published the discovery in the journal “Annales Zoologi Fennici”, A few months ago, a freshwater snail in Montenegro was also named after the tennis star. Meanwhile, after a two-month absence, Djokovic finally returned to action. The 35-year-old Tennis maverick, who has won 21 Grand Slam trophies, recently clinched the Tel Aviv Open—his third title this season—after winning a seventh Wimbledon crown in July. On Friday, he played against Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals of the Astana Open, which also features fourth-ranked Russian Daniil Medvedev who is also in the last eight. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the first round. Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Serbian scientists name beetle after country's tennis star Novak Djokovic

<p>South African chemical engineer Wendy Vesela has found ways of turning the spiky green and black caterpillars -- which are packed with protein and iron -- into flour that can be used in savoury biscuits, and sweet chocolate protein bars, cereals or smoothies. He wants to change the way edible caterpillars, popularly known as "mopane worms" are viewed and eaten.</p>

<p>For many people, particularly from western European backgrounds, the idea of eating insects is still riddled with fear and inhibition. But they can be a valuable source of nutrition and farming them is not detrimental to the environment. When steamed and sliced, mopane pieces can also be used as pizza toppings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vesela says she has found domestic and international customers for her organic products. &nbsp;Edible insects and worms may indeed be gaining popularity in Western cultures. But food anthropologist Anna Trapido insists that the trend should not be seen as just another dietary fad, a "kind of adventure tourism, where you get a badge" for eating them.</p>

<p>"Mopane needs to be treated with respect because they are part of people's emotional, spiritual, culinary genres," she said.</p>

<p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/long-queues-missing-baggage-halted-travel-plans-aviation-chaos-in-uk-us-and-europe-494030">&nbsp;Long queues, missing baggage, halted travel plans: Aviation chaos in US and Europe</a></p>

<p>Vesela tried to woo reluctant customers with biscuits and protein bars at a recent food fair in Johannesburg's upmarket Sandton district, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>"I won't eat a worm. I'm sorry, it's disgusting. But if you give it to me in the form of chocolate... it's really delicious," said Gail Odendaal, 38, walking away with a bag of protein bars.</p>

<p>Mopanes are environmentally friendly, too, requiring no extra water or land, as they breed and feed on mopane trees, which grow in hot and dry regions of southern Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are a better source of protein than many other foods on the market, said dietitian, Mpho Tshukudu.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


South African chemical engineer Wendy Vesela has found ways of turning the spiky green and black caterpillars -- which are packed with protein and iron -- into flour that can be used in savoury biscuits, and sweet chocolate protein bars, cereals or smoothies.

South African chemical engineer Wendy Vesela has found ways of turning the spiky green and black caterpillars -- which are packed with protein and iron -- into flour that can be used in savoury biscuits, and sweet chocolate protein bars, cereals or smoothies. He wants to change the way edible caterpillars, popularly known as "mopane worms" are viewed and eaten. For many people, particularly from western European backgrounds, the idea of eating insects is still riddled with fear and inhibition. But they can be a valuable source of nutrition and farming them is not detrimental to the environment. When steamed and sliced, mopane pieces can also be used as pizza toppings. Vesela says she has found domestic and international customers for her organic products. Edible insects and worms may indeed be gaining popularity in Western cultures. But food anthropologist Anna Trapido insists that the trend should not be seen as just another dietary fad, a "kind of adventure tourism, where you get a badge" for eating them. "Mopane needs to be treated with respect because they are part of people's emotional, spiritual, culinary genres," she said. Also Read: Long queues, missing baggage, halted travel plans: Aviation chaos in US and Europe Vesela tried to woo reluctant customers with biscuits and protein bars at a recent food fair in Johannesburg's upmarket Sandton district, as reported by AFP. "I won't eat a worm. I'm sorry, it's disgusting. But if you give it to me in the form of chocolate... it's really delicious," said Gail Odendaal, 38, walking away with a bag of protein bars. Mopanes are environmentally friendly, too, requiring no extra water or land, as they breed and feed on mopane trees, which grow in hot and dry regions of southern Africa. They are a better source of protein than many other foods on the market, said dietitian, Mpho Tshukudu. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Caterpillar to chocolate: South African chemical engineer turning insects into snacks

<p>World’s top bug experts believe that the insect kingdom, which is intrinsic to the functioning of our ecosystems is quickly dying.</p>

<p>Referring to what’s happening as “death by a thousand cuts”, bug experts blamed the dwindling populations on climate change, herbicides, invasive species, insecticides, along with changes in how we use land. Owing to such changes, Earth is losing 1 to 2 per cent of insects ever year!</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/german-study-radiations-from-phones-may-be-killing-insects-328359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The “insect apocalypse” was highlighted in Monday’s “Proceedings of the National Academics of Science”, which was written by 56 scientists from around the world.</p>

<p>University of Connecticut’s entomologist - David Wagner is the lead author of 12 studies in the “proceedings”, and told The South China Morning Post that the insect kingdom is witnessing “death by a thousand cuts”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/mobile-phone-radiation-may-be-killing-insects-german-study-328403" hreflang="en">Mobile phone radiation may be killing insects: German study</a></p>

<p>The “insect apocalypse” resembles the pattern of a jigsaw puzzle, whereby scientists are unable to put together all the pieces.&nbsp; Wagner claims that scientists need to ascertain whether loss in insect populations is bigger than how it is with other species.</p>

<p>“There is some reason to worry more because they are the target of attack”, Wagner added.</p>

<p>Another author of the study - May Berenbaum from the University of Illinois told SCMP that loss of insects right now may be compared to climate change 30 years ago - when there were so significant measurements in place to figure out the extent of the damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/global-warming-will-make-insects-hungrier-eating-up-key-crops-study-162721" hreflang="en">Global warming will make insects hungrier, eating up key crops: Study</a></p>

<p>“Insect decline is kind of comparable to climate change 30 years ago because the methods to assess the extent, the rate (of loss) were difficult”, Berenbaum said.</p>

<p>Bugs are intrinsic to the food chain and help in getting rid of waste. Insects also pollinate foods across the world. According to Wagner, insects constitute the “fabric by which Mother Nature and the tree of life are built”.</p>


World’s top bug experts believe that the insect kingdom, which is intrinsic to the functioning of our ecosystems is quickly dying. Referring to what’s happening as “death by a thousand cuts”, bug experts blamed the dwindling populations on climate change, herbicides, invasive species, insecticides, along with changes in how we use land.

World’s top bug experts believe that the insect kingdom, which is intrinsic to the functioning of our ecosystems is quickly dying. Referring to what’s happening as “death by a thousand cuts”, bug experts blamed the dwindling populations on climate change, herbicides, invasive species, insecticides, along with changes in how we use land. Owing to such changes, Earth is losing 1 to 2 per cent of insects ever year! The “insect apocalypse” was highlighted in Monday’s “Proceedings of the National Academics of Science”, which was written by 56 scientists from around the world. University of Connecticut’s entomologist - David Wagner is the lead author of 12 studies in the “proceedings”, and told The South China Morning Post that the insect kingdom is witnessing “death by a thousand cuts”. Also read: Mobile phone radiation may be killing insects: German study The “insect apocalypse” resembles the pattern of a jigsaw puzzle, whereby scientists are unable to put together all the pieces. Wagner claims that scientists need to ascertain whether loss in insect populations is bigger than how it is with other species. “There is some reason to worry more because they are the target of attack”, Wagner added. Another author of the study - May Berenbaum from the University of Illinois told SCMP that loss of insects right now may be compared to climate change 30 years ago - when there were so significant measurements in place to figure out the extent of the damage. Also read: Global warming will make insects hungrier, eating up key crops: Study “Insect decline is kind of comparable to climate change 30 years ago because the methods to assess the extent, the rate (of loss) were difficult”, Berenbaum said. Bugs are intrinsic to the food chain and help in getting rid of waste. Insects also pollinate foods across the world. According to Wagner, insects constitute the “fabric by which Mother Nature and the tree of life are built”.

Earth is losing 2% bugs every year. Scientists call it 'insect apocalypse'.

Growing global demand for food is putting a squeeze on available land and one French startup says it has the answer: indoor insect farming.

French company to build world's biggest insect farm

<p>Russia and neighbouring territories are facing a new threat: Mutant blood-sucking ticks.</p>

<p>According to official government papers, the region has recorded a surge in the number of tick bites recently.</p>

<p>In Serbia alone, the prevalence of ticks has multiplied 428 times, the Daily Mail first reported.</p>

<p>The details were divulged by the Russian Defence Ministry’s own newspaper, Zvezda. “Mutant ticks are attacking - this is not a tabloid headline but a fact”, the newspaper stated.</p>

<p><strong>Dangerous to humans</strong></p>

<p>These mutants of “arachnid” are very dangerous and can go further than just spread Lyme disease, and is one of the two usual kinds of ticks found in the region. Lyme disease attacks the joints, heart, and the nervous system.</p>

<h6><img alt="A flask containing two ticks is pictured in the laboratory of the INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) which constitutes a &quot;tiquothèque&quot; to study its geographical distribution, the presence of disease, the development of the Lyme disease on September 28, 2018 in Champenoux, eastern France." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5343c19-1d4c-4f5d-ac0a-0c763121aafc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_15.jpg" /><br />
<em>A flask containing two ticks is pictured in the laboratory of the INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) which constitutes a "tiquothèque" to study its geographical distribution, the presence of disease, the development of the Lyme disease on September 28, 2018 in Champenoux, eastern France | AFP</em></h6>

<p><br />
In the sparsely populated Siberian regions where the ticks have shown up, hospitals are already running low on vaccines and supplies like medicines to treat tick bites in humans.</p>

<p>Besides that, more supplies needed to treat the diseases caused by ticks are also running low. The ticks can also cause encephalitis which causes the brain to inflame, and was responsible for 150,000 deaths in 2015 alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Short on supplies</strong></p>

<p>Given the constraints in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals are already on edge. With mutant ticks in the picture, the healthcare system could go for a toss.</p>

<p>In Central Russia’s Krasnoyarsk region, over 8,215 tick bites have been reported, with over 2,125 in children alone. The suburban areas have 214 ticks per square kilometre, way above the safe figure of 0.5.</p>

<h6><img alt="Detail of a tick over a paper sheet, at the molecular centre of Butantan Institute, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 25, 2009" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a8d5d2-2899-4804-95aa-bd938c8f4fe0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_11.jpg" /><br />
<em>Detail of a tick over a paper sheet, at the molecular centre of Butantan Institute, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 25, 2009 | AFP</em><br />
&nbsp;</h6>

<p>Once ticks find their way onto humans, they bite and suck on human blood, which then infects the body. Many attribute this surge in ticks to the mild winter.</p>

<p>A mutant tick, combining the capabilities of both parent species, can launch more fatal attacks on the human body.</p>

<p>The area of Novosibirsk has witnessed a 150 per cent&nbsp;increase in tick-related cases. Due to this, 22 people have been diagnosed with encephalitis.</p>

<p>With the whole focus set on containing coronavirus, many cities claim there are no stocks of immunoglobulin and the encephalitis vaccine to treat the victims.</p>


Russia and neighbouring territories are facing a new threat: Mutant blood-sucking ticks. According to official government papers, the region has recorded a surge in the number of tick bites recently.

Russia and neighbouring territories are facing a new threat: Mutant blood-sucking ticks. According to official government papers, the region has recorded a surge in the number of tick bites recently. In Serbia alone, the prevalence of ticks has multiplied 428 times, the Daily Mail first reported. The details were divulged by the Russian Defence Ministry’s own newspaper, Zvezda. “Mutant ticks are attacking - this is not a tabloid headline but a fact”, the newspaper stated. Dangerous to humans These mutants of “arachnid” are very dangerous and can go further than just spread Lyme disease, and is one of the two usual kinds of ticks found in the region. Lyme disease attacks the joints, heart, and the nervous system. A flask containing two ticks is pictured in the laboratory of the INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) which constitutes a "tiquothèque" to study its geographical distribution, the presence of disease, the development of the Lyme disease on September 28, 2018 in Champenoux, eastern France | AFP In the sparsely populated Siberian regions where the ticks have shown up, hospitals are already running low on vaccines and supplies like medicines to treat tick bites in humans. Besides that, more supplies needed to treat the diseases caused by ticks are also running low. The ticks can also cause encephalitis which causes the brain to inflame, and was responsible for 150,000 deaths in 2015 alone. Short on supplies Given the constraints in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals are already on edge. With mutant ticks in the picture, the healthcare system could go for a toss. In Central Russia’s Krasnoyarsk region, over 8,215 tick bites have been reported, with over 2,125 in children alone. The suburban areas have 214 ticks per square kilometre, way above the safe figure of 0.5. Detail of a tick over a paper sheet, at the molecular centre of Butantan Institute, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 25, 2009 | AFP Once ticks find their way onto humans, they bite and suck on human blood, which then infects the body. Many attribute this surge in ticks to the mild winter. A mutant tick, combining the capabilities of both parent species, can launch more fatal attacks on the human body. The area of Novosibirsk has witnessed a 150 per cent increase in tick-related cases. Due to this, 22 people have been diagnosed with encephalitis. With the whole focus set on containing coronavirus, many cities claim there are no stocks of immunoglobulin and the encephalitis vaccine to treat the victims.

'Blood-sucking' mutant ticks storm Russia: Hospitals already overburdened by coronavirus feel the sting

<p>Compounds derived from coconut oil are better than DEET at preventing disease transmission and discomfort associated with insect bites, according to a study.</p>

<p>For more than 60 years, DEET has been considered the gold standard in insect repellents -- the most effective and long-lasting available commercially, said researchers from US Department of Agriculture (USDA).</p>

<p>However, increasing regulations and growing public health concerns about synthetic repellents and insecticides like DEET have sparked interest in developing plant-based repellents that are more effective and longer lasting, they said.</p>

<p>The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, identified specific coconut oil fatty acids that have strong repellency and long-lasting effectiveness against multiple insects -- mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and bed bugs -- that can transmit diseases to humans and animals.</p>

<p>A team of scientists led by Junwei Zhu found that the coconut oil compounds were effective against biting flies and bed bugs for two weeks and had lasting repellency against ticks for at least one week in laboratory tests.</p>

<p>The compound showed strong repellency against mosquitoes when higher concentrations of coconut oil compounds were topically applied.</p>

<p>Some people refuse to use DEET and turn to folk remedies or plant-based repellents. Most currently available plant-based repellents work for only a short period, Zhu noted.</p>

<p>The coconut oil-derived free fatty acid mixture -- lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid as well as their corresponding methyl esters -- provides strong repellency against blood-sucking insects.</p>

<p>By encapsulating coconut fatty acids into a starch-based formula, field trials showed this all-natural formula could provide protection to cattle against stable flies for up to 96 hours or four days, researchers said.</p>

<p>DEET was only 50 per cent effective against stable flies, while the coconut oil compound was more than 95 per cent effective, they said.</p>

<p>Against bed bugs and ticks, DEET lost its effectiveness after about three days, while the coconut oil compound lasted for about two weeks. The study found.</p>

<p>Coconut oil fatty acids also provided more than 90 per cent repellency against mosquitoes -- including Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can transmit the Zika virus, according to Zhu.</p>

<p>These coconut oil-derived compounds offer longer-lasting protection than any other known natural repellent against insect blood-feeding, Zhu said.</p>


Compounds derived from coconut oil are better than DEET at preventing disease transmission and discomfort associated with insect bites, according to a study. For more than 60 years, DEET has been considered the gold standard in insect repellents -- the most effective and long-lasting available commercially, said researchers from US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Compounds derived from coconut oil are better than DEET at preventing disease transmission and discomfort associated with insect bites, according to a study. For more than 60 years, DEET has been considered the gold standard in insect repellents -- the most effective and long-lasting available commercially, said researchers from US Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, increasing regulations and growing public health concerns about synthetic repellents and insecticides like DEET have sparked interest in developing plant-based repellents that are more effective and longer lasting, they said. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, identified specific coconut oil fatty acids that have strong repellency and long-lasting effectiveness against multiple insects -- mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and bed bugs -- that can transmit diseases to humans and animals. A team of scientists led by Junwei Zhu found that the coconut oil compounds were effective against biting flies and bed bugs for two weeks and had lasting repellency against ticks for at least one week in laboratory tests. The compound showed strong repellency against mosquitoes when higher concentrations of coconut oil compounds were topically applied. Some people refuse to use DEET and turn to folk remedies or plant-based repellents. Most currently available plant-based repellents work for only a short period, Zhu noted. The coconut oil-derived free fatty acid mixture -- lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid as well as their corresponding methyl esters -- provides strong repellency against blood-sucking insects. By encapsulating coconut fatty acids into a starch-based formula, field trials showed this all-natural formula could provide protection to cattle against stable flies for up to 96 hours or four days, researchers said. DEET was only 50 per cent effective against stable flies, while the coconut oil compound was more than 95 per cent effective, they said. Against bed bugs and ticks, DEET lost its effectiveness after about three days, while the coconut oil compound lasted for about two weeks. The study found. Coconut oil fatty acids also provided more than 90 per cent repellency against mosquitoes -- including Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can transmit the Zika virus, according to Zhu. These coconut oil-derived compounds offer longer-lasting protection than any other known natural repellent against insect blood-feeding, Zhu said.

Coconut oil compounds more effective than insect repellents: Study

insect

Insect, News on Insect, stories on Insect, articles on Insect, Insect stories at Wion, Insect news, Insect latest news