An isopod, well-adapted to the harsh conditions of arid-lands, crawls on the desert floor in search of plant litter. New study reveals that in arid ecosystems, larger arthropods such as termites and ...

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has studied the role of invertebrates in forest litter decomposition. The study, led by researchers Ph.D. candidate Xiaoyi Zeng and Professor Louise A. Ashton from ...

Insects are small but have a huge impact. Insects represent more than half of all wild species on the planet, with more than a million described species. Their variety amazes some people and disgusts ...

Saproxylic beetles—those that depend on dead or decaying wood – are essential decomposers that play a key role in nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, yet they pose significant economic challenges ...

While there are only about 11,000 species of birds or 35,000 species of fish, there are over 150,000 species of flies and over 385,000 species of beetles. “All these insects play a critical role in ...

In fields, forests, and backyard gardens, insects are quietly at work securing ecosystems and global supply chains. Over 75 percent of all flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts ...

Humans may be accelerating the rate at which organic matter decomposes in rivers and streams on a global scale, according to a new study from the University of Georgia, Oakland University and Kent ...

The gut microbiota serves as a critical “organ” in the life cycle of animals, particularly in the intricate interplay between herbivorous pests and plants. This review summarizes the pivotal functions ...