Taxa Focus: Invertebrates

New research demonstrates that Guam’s invasive brown treesnakes are killing birds whether they can eat them or not, suggesting that they are routinely tackling prey that are too large for them to swallow.

An invasive fungal blight decimated the American chestnut tree in the early 20th century, killing billions of trees and altering the life cycle of the species native to the Appalachian Mountain region. New research has the potential to help restore the American chestnut population and adjust restoration efforts in a changing climate.

Insects are masters of transportation and get around by flying, crawling, swimming, burrowing, and even gliding. Now, ants have been observed using a new method of getting around: hitchhiking.

The Board of Visitors’ Academic, Research, and Student Affairs Committee heard a presentation this month on two transdisciplinary research projects funded through the university’s Destination Area 2.0 grants.

Invasive alien species are all around us. They come in the form of plants, animals, or microorganisms that are introduced, intentionally or unintentionally, into areas where they are not native.

All are introduced invasive species that are reshaping ecosystems, disrupting economies, and causing disease, costing an estimated $1.3 trillion globally each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Invasive Species Information Center.

Four transdisciplinary Virginia Tech teams attempting to solve some of the world’s stickiest and most urgent challenges are getting a boost this spring from Destination Area 2.0 grants.