Leaf-cutter ant nests are biogeochemical hot spots where ants live and import vegetation to grow fungus. Metabolic activity and (in wet tropical forests) soil gas flux to the nest may result in high ...

LOGAN, UTAH, USA -- Plastic has become ubiquitous in modern life and its accumulation as waste in the environment is sounding warning bells for the health of humans and wildlife. In a recent study, ...

It appears the leaf damage could have been caused by a leaf cutter bee. Females of that insect cut perfect semi-circles off the edges of leaves. Without eating any of the leaf tissues, they use those ...

Leaf‐cutting ants are notable for their dual role as both potent herbivores and ecosystem engineers, shaping forest ecosystems through direct defoliation and indirect modifications of the physical ...

It is remarkable how, after our prolonged heat, a few late rains and cooler temperatures have triggered roses to resume blooming. It is as if the roses, in defiance of a frost that is just a few weeks ...

EUGENE, Ore. -- (Dec. 9, 2010) -- When their razor-sharp mandibles wear out, leaf-cutter ants change jobs, remaining productive while letting their more efficient sisters take over cutting, say ...

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series on Texas leaf cutting ants. The first part was published on Sept. 4. Control of Atta Texana, Texas leaf cutter ants, is a challenge because of ...

The orchards, gardens and natural areas of the Yakima Valley depend on pollinators to flourish. Managed hives of non-native honeybees pollinate the orchards. After blossom drop, these hives are moved ...

Question: Something is cutting semicircles in the edge of my rose leaves. What is it and do I need a control? Answer: Neatly cut and removed semicircles of leaf sections from rose and other foliage is ...

Scientists have noted instances of leaf-cutter bees using plastic waste to construct their nests and one research group suggested such behavior could be an 'ecologically adaptive trait' and beneficial ...