Ladybirds – wolves in sheep’s clothing

CSIRO research has revealed that the tremendous diversity of ladybird beetle species is linked to their ability to produce larvae which, with impunity, poach members of ‘herds’ of  tiny, soft-bodied scale insects from under the noses of the aggressive ants that tend them.

'Barcoding blitz' on Australian moths and butterflies

In just 10 weeks a team of Canadian researchers has succeeded in 'barcoding' 28,000 moth and butterfly specimens – or about 65 per cent of Australia’s 10,000 known species – held at CSIRO's Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) in Canberra.

Roundworm (Nematoda) research at CSIRO

CSIRO’s systematic research on Nematoda at the Australian National Insect Collection is focused on phylogeny and classification of major groups of economic and environmental importance.

Pollinator decline not reducing crop yields just yet

The well-documented worldwide decline in the number of bees and other pollinators is not, at this stage, limiting global crop yields, according to the results of an international study published in the latest edition of the respected science journal, Current Biology.

Sawflies: a close relative of wasps

Sawflies, or spitfires, are not flies but relatives of wasps, and are noted for the large clumps that their larvae form on gum trees.

The picnickers nightmare: European wasp

Accidentally imported from Europe, European wasps now disrupt outdoor recreational activities and threaten native insects in southern Australia.

Trapdoor spiders

Trapdoor spiders are found across most of Australia and consist of many different species from several families, although not all species build a trap door for their burrow.

Willow sawfly

Willow sawfly, first identified in Australia in 2005 and now well established in the ACT and surrounding areas (Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Cooma) of south east New South Wales (NSW), attacks both pest and amenity willows.

White-tailed spider

White-tailed spiders are common in urban environments and are often found wandering houses at night in search of prey. Their bite has been implicated in tissue ulceration; however there has been little evidence to substantiate such claims.

Flies land on Mackerras Medal

CSIRO Entomology scientist, Dr David Yeates, has been awarded the Australian Entomological Society’s 2008 Mackerras Medal.

Ladybird book flies to a Whitley Commendation

A book written by a CSIRO scientist as a guide to the diverse range of ‘ladybird beetles’ to be found in Australia has been awarded a prestigious Whitley Award Commendation in the 2008 Awards’ Systematic Zoology category.

Rare behind-the-scenes peek at national treasures

Residents and visitors to Canberra are in for a rare treat this National Science Week (16-24 August) when CSIRO Discovery reveals behind-the-scenes glimpses of Australia’s National Collections of soils, fauna, flora and insects.

The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology awards 2008

Mr Alan Dyce has won the 2008 Australian Medal of Agricultural Science.

ACT Volunteer of the Year Award 2008

Mr Tom van Gerwen has won the 2008 NRMA ACT Volunteer Award in the Education, Science and Technology Category.

ANIC volunteers scheme: ten years on

In February 2008 the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) Volunteers Scheme celebrated its 10th birthday and 50 000 volunteer work hours.

International award for Australian moth research

A senior CSIRO entomologist, Dr Marianne Horak, has won a major international award – the inaugural JO Westwood Medal – for her book Olethreutine Moths of Australia.

Carpet beetles

Carpet beetles are widely distributed across Australia and can be found inside homes and other buildings often causing damage by feeding on a variety of animal products including carpets, clothing, soft furnishings and taxidermy specimens.

Blue ants: the ‘ants’ that are really wasps

Despite their name, blue ants are wingless female wasps, which run around searching for prey to paralyse as food for their larvae.

Bogong moths

Bogong moths have migrated from their breeding areas to the mountains every spring for thousands of years.

Australian summer chorus

Cicadas live a secretive life underground for most of the year but emerge, sometimes suddenly and in great numbers during late spring and early summer to fill the air with their deafening drone.

Christmas beetles arrive on cue

Find out how the aptly named Christmas beetle knows just when to arrive and what impact they can have on the Australian environment.

Summer studentship program at ANIC

In January 2006, ANIC hosted a number of students under the CSIRO Summer Studentship Program.

Compacting the Collection into a compactus

By September 2007, ANIC technicians had moved and rearranged more than a third of the insect collection into a new compactus system.

‘Moth makeover’ book wins literary prize

Usually regarded as being the drab cousins of more exotic butterflies, Australia’s moths have been given a ’makeover’ in a new book published by CSIRO.

Aussie fly identification CD wins award

Summer is approaching and with it will come our ubiquitous flies. But there is a lot more to flies than those that provoke our great Aussie salute.