Insect vibes

Some insects communicate using a secret language that we can’t sense – a language of vibrations. Now researchers at the Bioeconomy Science Institute are starting to decode what insects are saying to each other. They hope to harness this knowledge to develop new, chemical-free methods of pest control to help farmers and growers.

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

Learn more:

• Insects can also be recruited to help. For example, insects can be released into New Zealand for biocontrol in the effort to combat invasive weeds.
• While we often talk about the impact of invasive mammals on New Zealand’s bird life, they are also a problem for native insects too.
• We’ve got some invasive pest spiders here too, but researchers are trying to figure out if they can trap them by developing a special spider perfume.

Guests:

• Dr Mark MacDougall, Bioeconomy Science Institute
• Dr Lloyd Stringer, Bioeconomy Science Institute
• Pete Mundy, Castle Rock Orchards
• Dr Rachael Horner, Bioeconomy Science Institute
• Dr Bethan Shaw, Bioeconomy Science Institute

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details