National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we explore the world of bugs and other creepy crawlies. Learn how the U.S. is fighting an invasive American bug with a badder Russian one, meet the newest species of tarantula that is electric blue, and what you can do if you really are a mosquito magnet. Plus, top stories you may have missed.

An emerald ash borer, the beetle responsible for decimating ash tree populations throughout North America.

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

How to fight an invasive American bug with a badder Russian one

The emerald ash borer has been killing trees across the U.S. for decades. A hardy parasitic wasp from Russia’s cold Far East could finally do the beetle in.

A DEADLY INVASION

The new tarantula, which sports blue and purple neon colors, was discovered in a mangrove in Thailand.

PHOTOGRAPH BY YURANAN NANTHAISONG

Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.

Blue is surprisingly rare in nature—which is why experts say this iridescent spider “is something meant to be seen.”

A RARE FOREST FIND

GOOD READS

1.

The moon’s darkest corners are a mystery. This image offers a stunning new glimpse.

2.

The Freemasons have inspired centuries of conspiracy—this is their real history

3.

You probably aren't getting enough vitamin D—here's what the experts say

4.

What is Oktoberfest—and why is it actually in September?

Two hours northwest of Manaus, Brazil, a 131-foot steel tower rises from a pristine area of the rainforest.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG CUTLER

For insects, the Amazon’s canopy contains a dazzling multiverse

A new study finds that high in rainforest trees, insects live in ecosystems that vary wildly from the forest floor on up.

A composite image shows Steatoda nobilis (left), the noble false widow; S. paykulliana (center), the Mediterranean false widow; and a black widow female (right). Many false widows have abdomen shapes and markings that resemble those of black widow spiders.

PHOTOGRAPHS VIA GETTY IMAGES,LEFT: DANUT VIERU, CENTER: STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, RIGHT: OLIMBEK SHIRINOV

Can you tell them apart? The world of bugs is filled with lookalike species. Can you identify which one of these spiders is a black widow?

A. Left
B. Center
C. Right

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

Colored scanning electron micrograph of a female specimen of the mosquito species, Anopheles gambiae.

MICROGRAPH BY DR TONY BRAIN, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

You really are a mosquito magnet. Here’s what you can do about it.

New research proves these bloodsuckers can pick you out in a crowd. Here are the odors they’re drawn to, what scientists recommend to keep them away—and how a future personalized repellant might work.

NEW HOPE FOR RELIEF

Glowing like constellations of stars, dismalites shine from the wet, moss-covered rock faces of Dismals Canyon in Alabama.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KILIII YUYAN, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

See glowworms give a dazzling show at this national landmark

Twice a year these tiny insects—called dismalites—offer one of nature’s best light shows in northern Alabama’s Dismals Canyon.

ONE OF NATURE'S BEST LIGHT SHOWS

For Antarctica’s emperor penguins, ‘there is no time left’ +

THE LAST OF THEIR KIND

Did ancient Romans love French bulldogs as much as we do? +

Reconstructing the face of a 700-year-old murder victim. +

UNSOLVED MYSTERY

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

Clicking on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

This email was sent to: [email protected]. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

This email contains an advertisement from:
National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036

Stop all types of future commercial email from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences.

Manage all email preferences with the Walt Disney Family of Companies.

© 2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.