According to lead researcher Yanping Chen, the new laser-based system can identify an insect from several meters away as it flies past. At the heart ... Scientists hope to use this method to better track insect populations and control mosquitoes without sweeping up harmless insects in the process. read more
Both flies and wasps are winged, they both tend to 'buzz' around in the garden, and sometimes in the house, and some species can cause irritation by biting or stinging. Some fly species have evolved into mimics of wasps, which can make it even harder to identify them. read more
Importantly, it could be used to capture mosquitoes of either sex. Historically, scientists have focused on catching female mosquitoes, which twice each day go hunting for mammals to bite – and which may carry the malaria parasite (males do not). read more