Category Archives: Biomaterials

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 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

Living With Heat

Posted on June 6, 2017 by jjneal

Saharan silver ants, Cataglyphis bombycina, forage under conditions of extreme heat as an adaptation to avoid predators such as ant-eating lizards. Scout ants monitor the lizard activity. When the lizards take shelter from the heat, the scouts alert the ant … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Environment | Leave a comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Pine Processionary Caterpillars

Posted on June 2, 2017 by jjneal

Caterpillars of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, have ruined many a vacation in the French countryside. These caterpillars produce urticating hairs that can elicit an allergic reaction in people and animals who contact them. The setae on the posterior … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Health | 1 Comment

Living With Gazalina

Posted on June 1, 2017 by jjneal

Adult female moths in the genus Gazalina produce urticating hairs that can have profound human health effects. These tussock moths in the family Notodontidae are found in South Asia including India, Nepal and China. Populations increase during the monsoon season … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Health | 1 Comment

Living With Processionary Caterpillars

Posted on May 31, 2017 by jjneal

Caterpillars of the Australian bag shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer, feed at night and spend the day in shelters of silk, debris and fecal matter.  The caterpillars feed on leaves from Acacia, Eucalyptus and Corymbia. If the caterpillars defoliate their host, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging | 1 Comment

Living With Genetically Altered Pests

Posted on May 30, 2017 by jjneal

The ability to manipulate insect genes has led to new methods of insect control. Some genetic manipulations lead to insects that are sterile or fail to develop. The company Oxitec produces genetically altered insects that could potentially control pests. Initial … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, News, Pest Management | Leave a comment