Insects
Air pollution makes it harder for insects to find food and mates
Air pollution particles affect insect antennae function and may be a driver of global declines in insect populations, finds a University of Melbourne-led study.
The wingless grasshopper that could cross Bass Strait, but not the Yarra River
New genomic data can track Australia’s wingless matchstick grasshopper from Tasmania to the mainland, say University of Melbourne experts.
Insects have more complex immune systems than we thought
University of Melbourne researchers have found that insects and other invertebrates have complex immune systems which can be used to protect their offspring
The fly DNA fighting killer bacteria
The genome of an Australian fly has won an evolutionary “arms race” against a killer bacteria by evolving to co-exist with it, say University of Melbourne.
Lockdown ‘field trip’ reveals whereabouts of Australian grasshoppers
Ecologists from the University of Melbourne used historical survey notes to map the location of hundreds of species of Australian grasshopper
Q&A: Victoria’s monster mosquito explosion
Do you feel like a personal donor to a rising number of blood-sucking mosquitoes this Australian spring? You’re not alone, say University of Melbourne experts.
The Australian grasshopper that’s given up sex
A unique grasshopper that's an all-female species that doesn’t have sex to reproduce gives new insights into evolution, say University of Melbourne experts.
Dengue-blocking mosquitoes here to stay
Mosquitoes carrying anti-viral bacteria show remarkable stability a decade since their release in field trials, shows University of Melbourne research
Saving aquatic insects: We may be looking in the wrong place
Aquatic insects are at risk of extinction, but in understanding why we may need to look beyond the quality of the water, says University of Melbourne expert
Mini-beast renaturing: A time for local action
Globally, insect numbers are dwindling but University of Melbourne experts say we could help our ecosystem by renaturing mini-beasts in our own urban backyards.