National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we see summer bugs, from the discovery of a rare firefly to a centuries-old butterfly, from avoiding mosquitoes
to uncovering how cockroaches took over the earth. Also, how do you keep pests out of your yard without harming plants?

A male aquatic firefly flying and flashing to attract a female, with hundreds more twinkling lights in the background.

PHOTOGRAPH BY XINHUA FU

HOW DO FIREFLIES GLOW?

These bugs’ famed bioluminescence was somewhat of a mystery … until now. As they light up the evening skies this summer, over 2,000 species of fireflies (pictured above) will glow shades of green, yellow, orange, and even an electric blue! Find out how they get their glow.

FANTASTIC FIREFLIES

Related: See fireflies light up this national park
Also: How this state park created a haven for a rare sort of firefly

A butterfly's wings are open

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW NEILD

THE OLDEST HYBRID SPECIES?

Might be a butterfly! Scientists have long understood that new species can diverge from a common ancestor, but this Amazonian butterfly (pictured above) proves that new species can also rise from merging older lineages. How has this 180,000 year-old hybrid butterfly species changed our understanding of evolution?

Butterflies galore: See monarchs on this California road trip

A micrograph of a female mosquito

MICROGRAPH BY DR TONY BRAIN, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

ARE YOU A MOSQUITO MAGNET?

Here’s what you can do about it. According to new research, the savvy bloodsuckers can pick you out in a summer crowd. We talk to scientists about why mosquitos (above) can be risky—and how you can keep them away from you.

MANAGING MOSQUITO BITES

HOW TO KEEP THE BUGS AT BAY

Because mosquitoes shouldn’t keep you from spending time outdoors this summer. See more of our picks for outdoor essentials.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 3.4 Ounce Pump

One of our editors took this bottle of repellent on a trip to Botswana. Despite swarms of mosquitos, she told us, she survived without a bite. Take it with you everywhere this summer.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90

This repellent works best when you’re staying put—birdwatching, stargazing, or perhaps at a backyard barbecue—and can repel mosquitos for up to 20 feet.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Kelty Lowdown camping chair

As long as you’ve got plenty of mosquito repellent, you might as well kick back in our favorite camping chair. It’s stable on uneven terrain, less likely to block other people’s views at outdoor concerts, and has adjustable armrests.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF REI

ENO JungleNest Hammock

If you’re looking for a little more relaxation—as well as another buffer between you and the bugs—this 10-foot-long, 300-pound-capacity hammock is both sturdy and lightweight. It’s also on sale right now.

ON SALE NOW AT REI

GOOD READS

It’s tick season: Here’s how to protect yourself

How did cockroaches take over the world? Now we know.

Plan your next vacation to these car-free destination

Do you need a break? Take this test to find out how stressed you are.

Last week’s most popular: Can ashwagandha actually relieve stress? What is it?

See the extraordinary lives of ordinary bugs

WATCH: A Real Bug’s Life (See this trailer)

7 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your yard Related: How to start a garden from scratch

A cicada sits on a leaf

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

For the first time in 200 years, billions of cicadas (pictured above) will emerge in the United States, creating a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Spanning the southeast to the midwest, two broods of cicadas will emerge before June, and create noise that can get as loud as a jet engine. Here’s everything you need to know.

CICADA CACOPHONY

Related: The fungus that turns cicadas into sex-crazed zombies … until they die

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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

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