Researchers from Rice University in Houston, Texas have just discovered a new species of gall wasp - one that lays its eggs in the galls of other wasps.
Human activities have an outsized impact on monarchs’ ability to migrate yearly to these specific sites. Development, agriculture and logging have reduced monarch habitat. Climate change, drought and pesticide use also reduce the number of butterflies that complete the journey.
Water repellent nanostructures were discovered on insects. Engineers had traditionally mimicked plants but found the new insect structure to be more powerful.
The population of land-insects worldwide is declining by 24% in 30 years and scientists found that flying insects such as the butterflies are struggling the most.