|
Recent News & Announcements
Navigation
|
Digital Materials in the System Based on Entomology Discipline : Forensics, Medical & Veterinary Entomology
African Honey Bee: What You Need to Know
A frequently asked question sheet about the often sensationalized Africanized Honey Bee. The FAQ deals in large part with defensive behavior, distribution, and history of the subspecies, as well as bee proofing your home and other likely nesting areas. This document is Fact Sheet ENY-114, a series of the Entomology and Nemotology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Reviewed: March 1995. Revised: September 2005.
Anaphylaxis.com: More About Stinging Insects
Details about some common stingers of the order Hymenoptera, some descriptions and behavior assays of several commonly encountered members of this order, and information on what to do if someone sensitive is stung. Links for more information are available.
Anopheles species-vectors for filarial parasites
A VectorBase sub-page depicting the world's anopheline filariasis vectors by region as given by Service (1993) Mosquitoes (Culicidae) in: Medical Insects and Arachnids.
Bat Bugs, Bed Bugs and Relatives
Bed bugs and relatives that bite birds and bats are represented here in description and illustration. Life history information, as well as control strategies are provided.
BBC: World News America: Blood findings bring malaria hope
Edinburgh University findings that type O blood cells do not easily conform to the usual pattern of malarial manipulation by the parasites. Researchers are hopeful that this resistance capability may prove helpful in saving some of the two million deaths caused by the mosquito borne disease.
Behind the Scenes: Forensic Entomology
A short Canadian article about insurance claim investigation and forensic entomology. Most of the usual crime investigation procedures are clearly described, including maggot collection, weather data logging, and a discussion of post-mortem interval (though, without an actual calculation example). This is a commercial site.
Black Flies
Information about the common annoyance pest the Black Fly. The flies life cycle and control strategy are covered. While the information is specific to Los Angeles California, the same strategies are effective elsewhere. Personal protection information is also offered and is universally effective.
Black Flies: Simulium spp.
A thorough resource about this annoying biting fly, including distribution, life cycle, damage caused, management, and some selected references. Several images are included, and personal recommendations for avoiding them. There is also a link to general biting fly management.
Bloodsucking Insects and Filth-breeding Flies
Tutorials on filth flies and insects which bite humans. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers Asian tiger mosquito, black salt marsh mosquito, stable fly, horse flies, deer flies, sand flies, head louse, public louse, bed bug, bloodsucking conenose, house fly, greenbottle flies, bluebottle flies, secondary screwworm fly, vinegar flies, flesh flies, moth flies, eye gnats, humpbacked flies and soldier flies. Requires Windows, and the tutorials must be installed on the computer's hard drive prior to use. Once installed and launched, the tutorials are intuitive to use. Illustrations incorporated into the questions are of high quality and approporiate to the point being illustrated. Some of the illustrated species are of regional significance (southeastern U.S.) and thus may not apply to other geograhic areas. Program includes a tool for recording student performance. These tutorials will be most useful to those particpating in coursework leading to pest management careers, those in general economic entomology courses, and perhaps to students in medical/veterinary courses. $15. Part number SW 156.
Case Studies in Forensic Entomology
Ten examples of cases in which evidence from forensic entomology were used. Includes the species used. A good story-based introduction to how forensic entomology is used. However, specific descriptions of the methods employed to derive PMI estimates for each case study are not included. This is an general introduction to using insects in criminal investigations.
Chiggers
Biting mite information in HTML and PDF format, including images of the tiny blood suckers as well as typical bite sign. A section devoted to protection products is included, as well as biology, and habitat information.
Cockroaches, House flies
Chapters 5-10 of a World Health Organization PDF on medical pests of importance in PDF format. Chatpers 5,6 cover Cockroaches and House flies respectively, remaining chapters go on to discuss guinea worm, fresh water snails, and proper pesticide application. These are extremely thorough control strategy texts with a great deal of information.
Delusional Parasitosis
Introduces delusional parasitosis, a relatively common disorder in which the sufferer holds a delusional belief that they are infested with parasites, typically insects. This is an excellent site for a brief overview of delusional parasitosis. The information is accurate, succinct and easily accessible. It provides information on the history, clinical manifestations, diagnostic protocols, treatments and services, among other things. The site also includes a useful list of references for those with additional inquires.
Dengue/dengue haemorrhagic fever
A World Health Organization page devoted to the control of dengue. Many excellent informative PDF files are available from this page dealing with vector control, as well as recognition of symptoms, and treatment of dengue haemorrhagic fever. Estimated numbers of at risk people are staggering. A powerful resource for teaching the importance of vector borne diseases.
Diseases And The Insects That Transmit Them
This reference site is navigated by clicking on a disease which takes you to a factsheet that gives all the relevant details of vector organisms, pathogen, reservoir, and distribution. It is an excellent medical entomology primer. Each page has further links for more information, including information-rich tables on diseases and associated vectors
Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates Affecting Military Operations: Identification, Biology, Symptoms, Treatment
A guide to stinging and biting invertebrates (prominently featuring insects and other arthropods) of the world. This guide is not meant for public dissemination nor sale, and was created primarily for military use. Types of interactions include envenomation, myiasis, urtication, allergic reactions as well as delusory parasitosis. The guide provides a good synopsis of most of the medically important insects and associated arthropods.
Fleas
Biology, and management of fleas that annoy humans and pets. Includes images of immatures, and cocoons. A quality section on available control products is also included. This page is also available as a PDF.
Fleas and Lice of Mammals in New Mexico
An online publication in PDF form from USDA Forest Service collating all records of mammalian ectoparasites in New Mexico. There is a brief description of the life history, diseases vectored, and control of fleas, sucking and chewing lice. There is a host list with a useful guide to the checklist. Appendix A lists ectoparasite species and their hosts found in New Mexico, listed by host families. Appendix B gives the ectoparasite speices list by county.
Fleas and Plague
A Colorado State extension fact sheet site dedicated to fleas, the main species and their hosts, and how fleas are important for the transmission of plague. There are control and managemet strategies suggested for fleas, and a discussion of current plague (Yersenia pestis) issues with domestic animals and wildlife. The fact sheet can be downloaded and printed.
Fleas and Ticks, Wasps and Bees
Tutorials on biting arthropods (fleas and ticks) and stinging insects. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. First tutorial covers adult cat flea, flea eggs and feces, flea larva, flea cocoons, American dog tick, brown dog tick, Gulf coast tick, lone star tick, blacklegged tick, and relapsing fever tick. Second tutorial covers bumble and honey bees, cicada killers, mud daubers and paper wasps, and yellowjackets. Requires Windows. Easy to use once loaded on computer. Some species depicted found only in Deep South. $15. Part number SW 159.
Forensic Entomology
A succinct but clear introduction to forensic entomology with an emphasis on the role of the forensic investigator. Covers life cycles, protocols, information to collect at the scene. Also provides links to other forensic entomology websites and resources.
Forensic Entomology Bibliography
Bibliography of forensic entomology. 382 entries through 2006.
Forensic Entomology Lecture by Martin Hall
How forensic entomology helps solve crimes, specifically focusing on maggots and adult flies. This is a 23 min video that provides an interesting lecture by Martin Hall that includes a slide show presentation that was recorded in front of an audience. It includes a question and answer session with the audience. Windows Media Player or Quicktime is needed to view video, but there are links to download each software program available through the site. There is also a link on the same page that provides a PDF download that gives a written introduction to forensic entomology.
FORMIS: A Master Bibliography of Ant Literature
FORMIS is a composite of several ant literature databases. It contains citations for a large fraction of the world's ant literature (about 38,000 references). FORMIS contains all known ant taxonomic literature (through 1996). It also contains comprehensive bibliographies of leaf-cutting ants, fire ants, and Russian wood ants. FORMIS is also the only database which covers ant literature before the 1970s. For further details please see contributions and credits. This database is designed to allow convenient searches of titles, keywords and abstracts when available (online searches or downloads). Citations from this database can be exported to create specialty databases or personal reprint indexes. FORMIS is only updated every year or two, so it is not a source for the most recent ant literature.
Insect Bites and Stings
This site provides general information about medical care for bee stings, fleas, mites, chiggers, spider bites, ticks and Lyme disease. Most information centers on the treatment of such insect bites, with some background about individual taxa. There is little discussed about the general biology of the insects mentioned.
Insect Vectors of Disease
A Cornell University page including a PDF file of a Power Point lecture dealing with medical entomology. This lecture mainly details the importance of mosquitoes and lice, covering historical and well as current health issues, morphology, and life history. Links to many other to entomology topics are included on the page.
Insect Vectors of Human Pathogens
Four orders of insects (Hemiptera, Phthiraptera, Diptera, and Siphonaptera) are covered detailing vector species along with their pathogens of human importance. Links to pathogens as well as vectors are highlighted (some of these are CDC, and WHO).
Insects and Disease
A summary of insects of medical importance to humans along with the pathogens of interest. The page features good descriptions of plague, malaria, dengue, and others. Medical entomology terms are defined, some historical significance provided along with control measures. This is an excellent introductory resource.
Introduction to Tick-Borne Diseases
A primer on ticks and tick borne illness in the U.S. Links take you to discussions about Lyme, Babesiosis, and several Rickettsias as well as others. Tick life-cycle, and habits are described. A good summary of tick bite preventative behaviors is also included.
Keeping Pests Out of the Home with Fewer Pesticides and Handling Pesticides Safely
Targeted to homeowners, although it is a great introduction for all students and educators wanting to learn more about integrated pest management. Objectively written. The links to extension offices all go to Georgia Extension.
Let's Talk About Insects
This is an excellent animated resource for introducing teachers and students to Entomology. The interactive Flash animation covers classification, basic anatomy, beneficial vs. pest insects, and life cycles. The dialogue is engaging, clear, and accurate at the elementary level. After completing the animation students have additional activities and exercises available to them. The links at the top of the page are particularly helpful. Users can access an index of the Flash animation slides, as well as a Teacher's Guide that includes example classroom activities and statewide learning standards for 3rd - 5th grades. Available in English and Spanish. Also available on CD.
Livestock Farmers and The Four Flies
This is a collection of three historical films from the Iowa State University Special Collections on www.youtube.com. This includes several historical pest management 16mm films made just after WWII. This particular address is for part one of the livestock fly management series easily accessed on Youtube or from the Iowa State University special collections youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/ISUSpecialCollection. While these films are more than 60 years old, the strategies are relevant. In the words of Dr. Wes Watson of NCSU "Not much has changed." The films are short and succinct with the first part at 8:14 and the two other volumes at about 7:00.
Lyme Disease
Fact sheet in PDF or HTML about the tick vectored bacterial infection known as Lyme disease. The sheet includes symptoms, treatment, prevention, as well as some links and references.
Malaria Vector Species
A sub-page of the extremely informative VectorBase. This is a worldwide listing of malaria vectors divided into 12 geographic regions following the 1957 classic The Epidemiology and Control of Malaria by MacDonald.
Malaria: Cooperation among Parasite, Vector, and Host
This is a website containing an excellent flash animation showing the life cycle of the Plasmodium (falciparum) as it enters the human host, multiplies, and then is picked back up by the mosquito. The animation goes into good detail about each life cycle stage of the plasmodium, making this a great source for understanding detailed facets of malaria. There are also links about Malaria including World Heath Organization tracking reports. It is about 2 minutes long.
Martin Hall Lecture on Forensic Entomology
Martin Hall, of the entomology department at the Natural History Museum in London, lectures on forensic entomology. He covers maggot behavior, the blow fly life cycle, how blow flies find a body and how to collect maggots. Requires QuickTime or Windows Media Player.
Mosquitoes
This tutorial is part of a series of entomological tutorials and covers the general biology and ecology of mosquitoes. The tutorial has 100 questions (50 in each of 2 tutorials); incorrect answers lead to additional information describing the correct answers. Covers all mosquito genera and their habitats, identification, life cycle, biology, and economic importance. Requires Windows. MAC is not supported. The cost for the tutorial CD is $15.
Mosquitos and other biting Diptera
A chapter from a 1997 World Health Organization publication on medical and veterinary Entomology. The text is extremely thorough and illustrated with line drawings. The vectors of malaria, leishmaniasis, filariasis, onchocerciasis, dengue, yellow fever and other diseases are covered here.
On Maggots and Murders: Forensic Entomology
This is a very short and cursory introduction to forensic entomology. It is downloaded as a PDF and is a four-page article about how insects can be used to assess time of death. There is an emphasis on the role of blow flies. There are some color photos of marginal quality included.
Pig Decomposition Video
Time-lapse video documenting the decomposition of a pig carcass over two weeks. Waves of colonization by insects are visible, but specific species or taxa are not clearly viewed. The quality of the video is dependent on the software used to view the video. The Window Media Player version gives the best quality.
Public Health Confronts the Mosquito
The purpose of this document is to serve as a catalyst for discussion and as a working document for public health practitioners and policy makers. The recommendations are not meant to answer all questions or meet all needs related to mosquito control. They will,however, be a tool for the public health community as it determines and solidifies the relationship between mosquito control and public health."
Schmidt Sting Pain Index
This Wikipedia page has the cleanest version of the Schmidt Sting Pain Index I've seen online. Justin O. Schmidt created this index after years of work with Hymenoptera, and relates his vast experience with their venom to a scale that can be understood by all. The page has only a few references, but one of those will take you to Christ Starr's four stage sting pain scale. At the top of the scale are bullet ants, and pepsis wasps, at the bottom are sweat bees and fire ants.
Stinging Caterpillars A Guide to Recognition of Species Found on Alabama Trees
A descriptive and photographic guide to roughly two dozen stinging caterpillars (urticating hairs). They are arranged by family and include links to good color photos. Also included are several harmless but fierce looking caterpillars. The page also includes a bibliography.
Stinging Caterpillars and Caterpillars of Ornamental Plants
This tutorial is part of a series of entomological tutorials and covers the general biology and ecology of many caterpillar taxa. The tutorial has 100 questions (50 in each of 2 tutorials); incorrect answers lead to additional information describing the correct answers. Requires Windows. MAC is not supported. This tutorial covers saddleback caterpillar, puss caterpillar, io moth caterpillar, hag caterpillar, buck moth caterpillar, spiny oak-slug caterpillar, flannel moth caterpillar, azalea caterpillar, bagworm caterpillar, eastern tent caterpillar, fall webworm caterpillar, oleander caterpillar, cabbage palm caterpillar, palm leafskeletionizer caterpillar, and tussock moth caterpillar. The cost for the tutorial CD is $15.
Stinging or Venomous Insects and Related Pests
A reasonably extensive and well illustrated guide to stinging insects and arthropods of the south east (Florida). The guide contains a list of pesticides for use against these animals as well as information about venoms, action to take if stung, symptoms to expect, as well as simple preventative measures. Available in PDF or HTML.
The 12 Most Wanted Insects
A collection of colored scanning electron microscope images of insects (and a few spiders) by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc. The images are arranged as FBI-style rap sheets, each one containing the scientific name and facts about that species. There are two different “12 most wanted bugs” pages: Bug Mugs (head shots) and Bug Bodies. Several species appear on both pages. The images are clear and the fact sheets are easy to read (although no references are provided). Also check out the "Zoom In!" link at the top of the page for more insect images.
The Cyber Cockroach
External anatomy of the cockroach, presented from various angles with body parts clearly labeled on photographs rather than diagrams. The user can navigate their way through different views of the head, thorax and abdomen sections. There are also close-up views of the legs. The user can download each image. The internal anatomy section is under construction.
The Fire Ant Sting
Mississippi State University extension page dealing with the symptoms of fire ant stings. A series of photographs track the initial sting, resulting pustules, and eventual healing common to such an encounter.
Three-dimensional ant
Three-dimensional rendering of an ant. This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the orginal models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Tick Biology for the Homeowner
This article is intended for homeowners, although it is a good introduction to ticks for most undergraduate and some graduate students. The article contains information on tick taxonomy, biology and behavior, identification, protection against ticks, along with tick facts and a reference listing. The article has good photos of common species of New York. The Interesting Facts link was not working when this site was reviewed.
Ticks
A fact sheet in PDF or HTML dealing with the importance, and control of ticks. Tables of tick control commodities are included as well as selected references.
Tsetse flies, Triatomine bugs, Bedbugs, Fleas, Lice, Ticks, Mites
Chapters 2-4 of a World Heath Organization medical entomology publication from 1997 in PDF. The text is very thorough covering everything from biology, disease transmission, recognition of disease symptoms, and finally, control of the vectors.
Virtual bee
3D virtual image of a honey bee (Family Apidae *spelled Apiidae in the image caption*). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual flea
3D virtual image of a flea (Order Siphonaptera). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual fly
3D virtual image of a blow fly (Family Calliphoridae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual german cockroach
3D virtual image of a German Cockroach (Family Blattidae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual mosquito
3D virtual image of a mosquito (Family Culicidae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual termite
3D virtual image of a termite (Order Isoptera). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual yellowjacket wasp
3D virtual image of a yellowjacket wasp (Family Vespidae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
West Nile Virus
Good introduction and synopsis of West Nile Virus. Briefly reporting on such topics as geographic distribution, symptoms and treatment, transmission and prevention. The article includes a list of references for further investigation into the West Nile Virus. |
 |
01-16-2009: