Author Archives: jjneal

About jjneal

Jonathan Neal is a retired Associate Professor of Entomology at Purdue University and author of the textbook, Living With Insects (2010). This blog is a forum to communicate about the intersection of insects with people and policy. This is a personal blog. The opinions and materials posted here are those of the author and are in no way connected with those of my employer.

Murder Hornets

Posted on May 6, 2020 by jjneal

The Asian Giant Hornet aka “Murder Hornets” are creating a buzz after their recent discovery on the Pacific coast of North America. I have previously posted about this insect and efforts in China to control them: https://livingwithinsects.wordpress.com/2016/11/10/living-with-asian-giant-hornet/ https://livingwithinsects.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/asian-giant-hornet/ In one … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 3 Comments

Insects As Feed In the EU

Posted on July 27, 2017 by jjneal

The European Union revised its regulations to allow insects as feed for aquaculture.  Insect protein producers are celebrating the new market but continue to push for further acceptance.  The next target is regulations on feed for poultry and pigs.  Wild … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Food, Policy | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination III

Posted on July 26, 2017 by jjneal

The FDA sets limits on acceptable insect damage in raw foods. Insect feeding damage on filbert nuts (aka hazelnuts) in the field can lead to discoloration and rancidity. Customers would not wish to purchase the nuts, but the damage can … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination II

Posted on July 25, 2017 by jjneal

Not all insect contamination of food is the same. Although most insects are not harmful, some can cause illness or medical harm. For example, some dermestid beetle larvae have barbed hairs that serve as protection against predation. The hairs can … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Food, Health | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination

Posted on July 24, 2017 by jjneal

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates contaminants in food including insects and insect parts. As discussed in a previous post some contamination of our food by insects is unavoidable. However, the amount of contamination can be limited by good … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Food, Policy | 2 Comments

Attack of the Katydids

Posted on July 23, 2017 by jjneal

In the 1850s, Mormon settlers new to Utah described a plague of insects that were destroying their crops. The insects were given the name, “Mormon Crickets” and it has stuck for over a century even though the insects are not … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, News, Pest Management | 3 Comments

Enhancing Pollinators With Landscape Management

Posted on July 22, 2017 by jjneal

Bees collect pollen to feed to their brood. Without pollen, the brood starves and the bees are eliminated. In their native habitats, bees encounter a variety of plants with differing phenologies. Some flower early, some midseason and some flower late. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment