How Nature Enthusiasts Helped Detect a Newly Introduced Ant in Florida

A tiny ant has shown up in Florida, but most people never noticed it! The ant is called Pheidole parva, a small big-headed ant originally from Asia. Until now, scientists didn’t know it lived anywhere in North America. However, it is important for scientists to be aware of new species so they can better understand how invasive insects interact with our environment. Many invasive insects pose significant problems for our farmers, ranchers, and land managers, as they can feast on crops, spread disease to livestock and wildlife, and push out native grasses. 

The Pheidole parva discovery began when nature fans uploaded ant photos to iNaturalist, a free app where people share pictures of plants and animals they find outdoors. One of those iNaturalist contributors also sent ant samples to an ARS laboratory, where scientists used DNA tests to confirm that the ants were Pheidole parva, a newly introduced species in Florida. Those early photos in iNaturalist helped researchers figure out where to search for more ants. They visited parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods to collect ants and used both microscope identification and DNA barcoding, a process where scientists collect a tiny piece from the insect to look at its DNA, to verify the species.

This discovery exemplifies the importance of nature observations. Every time you upload photos to iNaturalist, you may help scientists detect new species that are not native to the U.S. We can then track their spread or develop tools that help protect our environment.

Learn more about the study at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13744-026-01416-4 

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Exciting New Products Made from Agricultural Waste

ARS researchers are developing new products that will help America’s farmers reduce agricultural waste while creating a new revenue stream. ARS researchers in Peoria, Il, created biodegradable, biobased films for food containers comprised of agricultural biomass. Researchers converted a mixture of two natural, replenishable, agriculturally based polysaccharides into thin films that encapsulate and slowly release antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds to prevent food spoilage, improve food safety, and extend product shelf-life. These bioproducts, made from agricultural biomass, could expand market opportunities in the food, personal care, and cosmetic industries. 

In a separate project, ARS scientists in Peoria and New Orleans, LA, blended a biodegradable polymer and cottonseed meal, a byproduct of the cotton industry, to produce renewable plastic films that can be used as water-soluble food packaging and coatings and as dissolvable bags and pouches for detergents and agrochemicals. These breakthroughs should help boost the biobased food container market, increase the value of biomass, and provide an added revenue source for farmers

Turning Fish Waste into Plant-Safe Compost

ARS collaborators are working with the U.S. aquaculture industry to convert fish waste into compost that is nontoxic to plants. Aquaculture waste has very few uses outside of disposal. If it is discharged untreated, fish waste can cause water quality issues such as algal blooms. The aquaculture industry, including farmers using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), needs research and new technologies that can convert fish waste into marketable products. 

In an effort to jumpstart this research, ARS collaborators in Shepherdstown, WV, developed protocols to convert aquaculture solid waste into compost. These protocols demonstrated that compost derived from aquaculture solid waste was not toxic to plants, had very low concentrations of heavy metals and human pathogens (significantly below EPA limits), and contained little to no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (forever chemicals). Converting waste solids into compost products can provide farmers with additional revenue, reduce fish waste, and prevent waste from potentially impacting our waters. 

Safe Feed, Less Waste: Crickets Clean Up Contaminated Corn

Corn is a cornerstone of livestock feed across the United States because it is affordable and rich in essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But fungal mycotoxins above FDA regulatory limits can pose serious health risks to animals, making contaminated corn unsafe for feed. To protect livestock, mycotoxin contaminated grain is often diverted from the feed supply chain, an important safety step, but one that often results in the loss of valuable product for farmers and grain processors.

ARS researchers in Peoria, IL, and Stoneville, MS, explored a novel solution: using crickets to safely consume mycotoxin‑contaminated corn and converting those crickets into a high‑protein feed ingredient. Their research showed that crickets raised on contaminated corn and processed into insect meal contained nearly three times the protein of corn while reducing mycotoxin levels in the resulting insect meal by 96%. This innovative approach turns what would have been a financial loss into a new, safe, high‑value coproduct. By upcycling contaminated grain through insect rearing, farmers and processors can recover value from unusable/devalued corn while keeping livestock safe and reducing agricultural waste. 

Keeping Pumpkin Season on Track

As autumn arrives and Thanksgiving draws near, pumpkins become the season’s highlight. Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Illinois are working together to protect pumpkins from pests and weather challenges. In Illinois, the country’s canned‑pumpkin champion, new foes like cucumber beetles and squash bugs are challenging farmers just as the season hits full swing. Researchers are tracking pollinators, pests, and plant growth to help farmers keep Illinois’s pumpkin tradition strong. Click here to learn more.

Transforming Beef, One Bite at a Time

Imagine biting into a steak that’s always tender, juicy, and delicious—no matter the cut. Thanks to groundbreaking research at the USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, in Clay Center, NE, researchers are cracking the code on beef tenderness, helping farmers, meat producers, and your favorite restaurants deliver consistently mouthwatering beef. Their discoveries reveal a fascinating web of factors that work together to make every bite unforgettable. With these new insights, the beef industry is closer than ever to ensuring every steak is a tender treat. Learn more about how science is transforming your dinner plate and making beef better for everyone! Click here to learn more.

Field Science for Families: Observe, Identify, Explore

Explore your local farm or market and watch science come to life as sun‑soaked fruits and veggies reach peak flavor and nutrition. Wander the stands with an adult, observe the colors, shapes, and scents around you, and track how many seasonal stars—like peaches, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini—you can spot. Every find is a chance to learn how sunlight, soil, and weather work together to grow the foods we love. It’s a quick, curiosity‑powered adventure in real‑world plant science! Click here to learn more.

Little Lady Beetles, Big Aloha Energy

ARS researchers are actively working to establish beneficial lady beetle species in Hawaii to improve biological pest control. Since Hawaii lacks native lady beetles, all present species have been introduced from other regions. ARS scientists have already identified 50 helpful lady beetles on the islands and are researching two potential new species. Their goal is to provide agricultural professionals, pest managers, and horticulturalists with up-to-date information on which species are confirmed and established in Hawaii, supporting sustainable pest management. Click here to learn more.

Fruit‑Filled Sips of Summer

Staying hydrated is essential for everyone—whether you’re working in the fields or spending time outdoors. Summer heat pulls water from the body quickly, making fluids even more important. Water‑rich foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and watermelon offer a simple way to replace what you lose to the sun. For a fun boost, freeze chopped fruit into ice cubes and add them to your water for extra flavor and quick refreshment during long, hot days. Click here to learn more.

When Wastewater Brings More Than Water

Drought is pushing farmers to use more treated wastewater for irrigation, but researchers from Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Water Management and Conservation Research unit in Maricopa, AZ warn that microplastics in that water can carry antibiotics into soils and possibly into crops. These plastics can accumulate around roots, release pharmaceuticals, and even promote antimicrobial‑resistant microbes. Because treatment plants don’t remove such tiny contaminants, scientists are studying how big the risk is. If microplastics are shown to boost antibiotic uptake in crops, removing them from recycled water may become necessary. Click here to learn more.