insects

The World's Tiniest Insect Fights Off Crop Pests and Inspires More Efficient Computers

The fairy wasp exists on almost every continent, yet almost no one has seen one

By Julia Sklar April 10, 2024

In this story: insects

Close-up of a golden-colored fairy wasp from the side

“A Real Bug’s Life” Magnifies Little Lives—and Underscores the Importance of Biodiversity

The new National Geographic docuseries explores the itsy-bitsy wonder, and grand importance, of insects

By Christian Thorsberg January 25, 2024

In this story: film, insects

Photo by National David Hamilton/National Geographic

Two Stoneflies Lead the Way for Conserving Other Uncharismatic Species

The Endangered Species Act protection of two alpine flies could help reshape the future of invertebrates worldwide

By Hailey Smalley December 28, 2023

In this story: endangered species, insects

All in the Family

A salmon goes through seven distinct stages in its life cycle

November 23, 2023

In this story: photography, insects

Close-up of several alevins. They have large eyes and bright-orange egg sacs.

The Magical Mystery Tour of Blue Ghost Fireflies

These incandescent bugs will light up your life

By Daniel Walton November 8, 2023

In this story: insects

Green light trails of blue ghost fireflies at night above a lush forest floor in North Carolina.

How to Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternflies

These colorful insects are moving across the Northeast and will likely be near you soon

By Elham Shirin November 4, 2023

In this story: invasive species, insects, agriculture, forests, wildlife

A close-up of a Spotted Lanternfly with its wing spread which shows the spots and the red color of its hind wings.

Bringing Back Monarchs One Ranch at a Time

Ole Schell is helping to revive a once epic population of monarchs

By Jason Mark July 16, 2023

In this story: activism, insects, endangered species

Ole Schell stands in a grassy field with a plaid shirt and his arms spread, smiling and looking at the sky.

What’s Behind the Rise of Ticks and Tick-Borne Illnesses?

It’s not just climate change. Land use change, forest fragmentation, and suburbanization are also driving this public health issue.

By Ellyn Lapointe June 27, 2023

In this story: insects, land use, science

New Study Shows Urban Lighting Disrupts Rural Insects

What’s the answer? Turn down the lights.

By Louise Fabiani May 24, 2023

In this story: insects, light pollution

How—and Why—to Create a Backyard Bug Hotel

Because bugs are truly a gardener’s best friend

By Hillary Richard April 29, 2023

In this story: insects, earth day

Subscribe to Sierra Taxonomy