Science News article adapted from the USDA highlighting the role of Bt crops in an age of overwhelming non-target damage evidence from pesticides. The conclusion is that Bt is by far the least harmful to non-target organisms.

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A thoroughly produced primer on toxicology of invertebrates. The author has attempted to update the traditional "canary in the coalmine" analogy to "smoke-detectors" for an audience not familiar with 19th century mining practice. An experiment is outlined, further ideas for future experiments give, description of various invertebrates along with their habits, a glossary, and references are supplied. It only lacks illustrations, but more than makes up for it with logical layout, and explanation.

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Part of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology's Animal Diversity Web, this site gives a general overview of the class Insecta targeted at college students. The site is organized into five tabs: Information, Pictures, Specimens, Sounds and Classification. Resources include images of live insects and pinned specimens, and sound recordings. Some pictures are only labeled with scientific genus and species names, making it difficult for novice users to understand what Order they are looking at, but many also have common names. Photos and sound bytes are good quality and easy to view and download. A very good resource for teachers needing lecture materials.

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Focuses on antlions (Mymerleontidae). Includes information on classification, habitat, distribution, behavior, life cycle, and how to capture and observe antlions. Also includes videoclips of various antlion behaviors.

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This web site provides a compilation of more than 240 proverbs that mention insects, arachnids, centipedes, and crustaceans. Roughly 60% mention Diptera and Hymenoptera. The proverbs are listed under 15 taxa, including Arachnida, Chilopoda, Crustacea, and 11 orders of insects. The geographic origin of each proverb and a list of references also are provided.

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Discussion of molecular barcoding methods for determining species. While in early phases results have been mixed, this page provides a positive example in insects. Other menu choices provide some of the basic principles, and a general statement of the purpose.

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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.

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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.

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A bed bug fact sheet detailing biology, life history, typical behavior, and control of the infamous, and on the rise, bed bug. One excellent tip is to be very suspect of "street furniture" usually available at the end of academic years.

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A non-journal article about the origin and history of modern bees. Links to discussion of bee fossils, genetic information, distribution of species, and an extensive bibliography are included.

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This 1994 article by Victoria Rivers, Professor of Textiles at University of California (Davis), is about the fascinating and exquisite use of beetle parts, especially iridescent beetle wings, in textiles. Many entomologists will not be familiar with this aspect of the use of insects and will find the article delightful. The article explores how beetles have been used in textiles throughout history in India, New Guinea, Thailand, Burma, and Amazonia. The online article is about 6 standard text pages and includes photographs that, when clicked, provide a larger image.

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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.

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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.

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This site provides a short article, in PDF format, about the legendary American blues artist, Charley Patton, and his famous song about the notorious cotton boll pest, the boll weevil. The article, by R. K. D. Peterson, was scanned from a 2007 issue of the American Entomologist magazine.

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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.

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An online cockroach control manual from Lincoln Nebraska Pesticide Education Resources. Chapters include biology, locating problem areas, insecticide basics, and application. There are also good diagnostics for pest species.

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Cultural Entomology Digest was published in four issues from 1993 to 1997. All issues are available online. More than 30 short articles on the use of insects in human culture are presented, covering a wide variety of fascinating topics from butterflies in mythology to insects in psychiatry to the use of beetles as religious symbols. The articles are both informative and entertaining, and are written by recognized authorities.

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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.

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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.

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This PDF created by the Entomological Society of America is a general brochure designed to advise students on where to go and how to prepare for a career in entomology. It highlights some of the major disciplines within entomology including forensics, conservation, and medical veterinary.

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A National Geographic article about a variety of cave dwelling (troglobite) arthropods. The story dwells on eyeless spiders, translucent centipedes, and other arthropod cave-dwellers and speculates about their phylogenetic relations, as well as their endangered future. The site includes a link to a fine interactive map with images of many of the animals discussed.

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Traditional evolution of the insects is presented in cladogram form with a neatly organized short article describing the primitive wingless insect radiation into modern insect orders mainly during the Carboniferous period.

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An argument for using insects to discover new useful compounds using "High Throughput Screening" techniques of molecules. The article opens with a basic introduction to the richness of the insect class, and the practical hopes of expecting to locate useful molecules for immunological and other purposes. Traditionally plants and microbes have been used for this product development.

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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.

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A military manual devoted to the control of nuisance flies in latrine and other conditions. Flies and associated disease problems are discussed, as well as proper latrine construction, surveying techniques, and insect trapping. A bit of historical background is given as well as a very nice list of references.

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Control of filth flies in field military situations detailing latrine building and health aspects of fly control. This publication covers some history, disease transmission, biology and behavior. Many Musca as well as stable flies, and other blow flies are covered.

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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.

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A discussion of the surprising number of heat-shock proteins active in hibernating insects that help aid their survival in extreme conditions. The possibility of removing genes responsible for coding these proteins may help in controlling some persistent pest species that overwinter.

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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.

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A World Health Organization PDF file detailing modern safe use of DDT for controlling insect vectors, especially of malaria. Document covers historical and current applications.

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A discussion of how genes code for segmentation in insects (Drosophila)as well as other animals (vertebrates). Transcription factor cascades and feedback mechanisms are described at length. This is a well illustrated and fairly advanced non-journal article requiring a good knowledge of genetic jargon.

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A reference heavy resource detailing care of captive colonies of these potently stinging ants. A great deal of behavior and biology is also included.

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Definitions of terms commonly used when discussing biological control, a type of insect management. These definitions are tailored to a lay or general audience.

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A short history of the use and production of shellac as processed from Lac insects in India. It includes a brief timeline history, as well as a discussion of the insects that produce it. Other links include lac production process, and properties of shellac. The site is devoted to the promotion of shellac production and use.

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Nicely illustrated history of silk and explanation of silk production. A fine discussion of the moths, life history, and feeding are included, as well as the extensive cultural history of this outstanding insect product.

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A short illustrated article from Biodiversity Explorer from Southern Africa on the use of beetle toxins for creating poison arrows. These poison arrows are used by the San people of Africa.

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A humorously written, well illustrated article about the lives, origins, ecology, and stings of wasps. The article is several pages long and includes an informative bibliography.

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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.

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Discussion of the Bombardier beetle's chemical defense, detailing the explosive qualities of the chemicals, where the beetle is found, a bit about distribution, and what the chemicals do to people. There's also a bit about insects in the news detailing the beetle's role in the ongoing religious debate as it pertains to how such an animal might evolve, with an aside about a Richard Dawkin's demonstration.

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A 2001 Natural History article detailing the finding that the London Underground harbored a variety of the above ground, daytime inhabiting Culex pipiens dubbed 'molestus'. Along with the obvious differences in behavior (Culex pipiens is generally a bird biter, but without underground birds the molestus variety has been voraciously biting people) geneticists have been able to use molecular techniques to differentiate, and suggest novel evolution for the two groups.

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A short and clever discussion comparing how insects walk to how people walk. Inverted pendulum motion, and dynamic stability as compared with static stability are discussed with excellent line drawings.

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A short popular article detailing three major methods of insect mate seeking; visual cues, auditory cues, and pheromones. Embedded links take you to further about.com articles about cicadas, pheromones, and other topics.

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Examples of Mullerian vs. Batesian mimicry are discussed, examples of Lepidoptera are provided contrasting palatable mimics of unpalatable models. A link will take you to another page with an interesting example of a beetle species using cooperation to lure mating bees into being phoretic. Another link discusses jumping spiders that mimic prey.

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"Insects in Psychiatry" originally was published in the February 1994 issue of Cultural Entomology Digest. The article presents a succinct (roughly 4,000-word) overview of the role of insects in psychiatric disorders. It provides helpful distinctions among insect phobias, delusions of parasitosis, and illusions of parasitosis, along with more than 30 selected references. The article provides an excellent entree into the not-uncommon role of insects in psychiatry. It would be comprehensible and of interest to a wide range of students.

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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.

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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.

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A well thought-out site full of useful links, information, photographs, and references. Included are links to researchers, high resolution images, keys, and even references in movies.

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A short HTML (also available as a PDF) page devoted to the so-called "love bug" or March fly, including history, pest issues, and biology.

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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.

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A page deliberately arranged to teach a bit about hypothesis testing and evolution, as well as ponder the reasons why insects do not dominate the oceans. Several hypotheses from salinity, to crustacean competition are discussed. A unique password method is used to access the conclusions of the authors, which can be collected only after reading the other hypotheses suggested.

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A good resource site from Cornell's Entomology Department covering the biology and management of mosquitoes. This site is designed primarily for homeowners but there is some good, concise information for all interested in control of mosquitoes. Sections are clearly laid out with practical advice on what works and what does not in mosquito control including control of larvae, adults and personal protection from mosquitoes. A good reference list is provided at the end for anyone wishing to read more on mosquitoes. This is an excellent general mosquito reference with good, science-based recommendations. There are a few minor typographical errors that should be corrected.

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A short but entertaining article detailing some of the many myths that abound about insects. Including the now famous cockroach-eggs-in-the-mouth story so popular with entomophobes.

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Information about the parasitic wasp genus Nasonia. Everything from rearing, hosts, behavior, ecology, and genetic research being conducted on the group. This is a great reference for basic biology, as well as teaching about research with insects.

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An engaging National Wildlife article about insect evolution spotlighting some of the more unusual and bizarre insects from caves to islands isolation pushes speciation and provides hypotheses to difficult questions. Highlighted here are some of the more fantastic of these unusual insects, predatory caterpillars, and blind cave crickets. The article also ponders the destructive potential of invasive species.

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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.

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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."

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Exoskeleton cell arrangement acts like liquid crystal to reflect particular wavelengths of light, according to recent research findings reported on World-Science net. Such findings may become important to car manufacturers improving light and reflective details.

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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.

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A less well known 1964 research into the famous waggle dance and other bee communication methods concluding that other bee produced sounds carry more meaning than the actual shape of the dance. A discussion of queen "tooting" and "quacking" is also offered here, followed by a long discussion of how the bees may be producing these sounds.

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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.

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A page concerned mainly with Hexagenia spp. mayflies, their common name, and "hatching" behavior as it applies to fishing, and concerned human witnesses of the event. Nice discussions of environmental impacts, the many common names, and importance to fishing is included. Most impressive are the series of molt photographs documenting the subimagal molt to adult, Ephemeroptera are the only group that molts after flying!

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Some 39 genera of bees, illustrated with full habitus photos, are included in this online article. Information about nests, behavior, floral relationships, as well as conservation are thoroughly covered. Includes an extensive references section.

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This site deals with the great plague outbreak of 14th-century Europe, its causes, and its consequences for civilization. The site includes an overview of the rat flea (though with the classification showing order following family). Also included are colorful quotations of the time and a simplified transmission diagram.

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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.

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An American Entomologist article in PDF format detailing the prevalence and purpose of insects in various mythology from scarabs to locusts and Native Americans to ancient Egypt. The article includes a bibliography.

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A general audience discussion of the natural history of Glow Worms of Britain. This well illustrated page also provides tips for venturing out and seeing them for yourself. The author is a lifetime naturalist and fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.

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The information provided includes information concerning the morphology, distribution, hosts, damage, and life cycles of the Hessian Fly. Also includes a listing of Hessian fly research labs and a bibliography in regard to pest management. The work is succinct. It gives a good overview on the Hessian fly. Internet is needed to access the information.

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Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt is a widespread toxic bacterium of many groups of insects. Some are more specific than others. This page discusses the varieties and target insects, use, and mode of action.

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A short, well illustrated article about light producing insects. Includes a discussion about the range and intensity of the light, a little about behavior of lampyrids, and finally ends with some interesting cultural facts.

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This web site offers a review of the agricultural devastation and eventual extinction, in about 1902, of the Rocky Mountain Locust, a once phenomenally abundant insect. The site includes bibliographical references. The author (C. R. Bomar) includes nine study questions for discussion on issues of social responsibility, extinction, and conservation. This resource is also available in PDF format.

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This electronic book, edited by Thomas J. Walker, currently contains 40 brief chapters, each chapter covering one insect record, such as longest migration, smallest adults, and largest eggs. The project was initiated by graduate students at the University of Florida, but is now open to anyone maintaining a high-level of scholarship in their contributions. The book of records is a great reference for those looking for fun, yet accurate, information about insects for undergraduate Entomology classes or simply to satisfy one's own curiosity. Chapters are prepared in journal style with an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references for further study. The site is easy to use and contains more detail than one might expect. Information is searchable by chapter, by contents and by author.

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This page, dedicated to the charismatic and large orthopterous insect known as the "weta" includes links to classification, morphology, a picture gallery and references.

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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.

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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.

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Current, on-going phylogenetics devoted to the representation of the evolution of life through the use of the most current published data. This particular page highlights the evolutionary relationships of the arthropods showing the insects (Hexapoda) sister-grouped with crustaceans, and outside this arrangement the centipedes and millipedes. The groupings are not yet well resolved as the site is an on-going world wide scientific project. Links to all varieties of organisms are included.

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A fact sheet covering the use of diethyltoluamide in PDF or HTML. General use of DEET and a selection of products containing DEET, with some caution about applications with young children.

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FAO AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BULLETIN No. 124 This is an online book published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It deals in depth with products from bees, besides honey, wax, royal jelly, propolis, and venom are covered.

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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.

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A page detailing the various strategies insects use to survive the cold discussions include hibernation, migration, and anti-freeze compounds produced by the overwintering insect.

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A short, well illustrated article about the research done on gliding insects as a possible evolutionary link toward flight. Initially noticed when ants were dropped from tree branches and swerved back to teh tree trunk, this research now goes on on many primitively wingless insects that can also glide.

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This site offers a brief historical article by D. W. Tschanz about mosquito-borne yellow fever and its role in the mid-19th century Mexican-American War. No references are provided.

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