Biological Control Collection

Nematodes, SEM
Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita. Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a microscopic nematode in the family Rhabditidae

Entomophthora muscae parasitising a fly
A bluebottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria) killed by the parasitic fungus (Entomophthora muscae). The fungus is highly adapted to its host

Ground beetle C016 / 2097
Ground beetle. View of the upper side of a male Calosoma sycophanta ground beetle. This beetle, also known as the forest caterpillar hunter, is native to Europe but was introduced to New England

Ground beetle C016 / 2096
Ground beetle. View of the upper side of a female Calosoma sycophanta ground beetle. This beetle, also known as the forest caterpillar hunter, is native to Europe but was introduced to New England

Ground beetle C016 / 2095
Ground beetle. View of the upper side of a female Calosoma sycophanta ground beetle. This beetle, also known as the forest caterpillar hunter, is native to Europe but was introduced to New England

Snake eating a snail, Ecuador C013 / 8849
Snake eating a snail. Native Dipsas andiana snake eating a giant African land snail (Achatina fulica). These snails are a recently introduced pest that are spreading into the rainforest

Harmonia axyridis Arkansas, harlequin ladybird
Harlequin or halloween ladybird (Harmonia axyridis). These ladybirds are classified as pests in some countries as they gather in huge swarms

Nematode worms, SEM
Nematode worm. Scanning electron micrograph of a juvenile Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematode worm (centre) shedding its cuticle (outer coat, centre right) as it develops into an adult

Lacewing larva, SEM
Lacewing larva (Chrysoperla carnea), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This insect preys on aphids, whitefly and other insects

Lacewing larva head, SEM
Lacewing larva head (Chrysoperla carnea), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This insect preys on aphids, whitefly and other insects

Parasitised aphid (Microlophium carnosum) on a nettle leaf, artwork. The dead aphid has been parasitised by the endoparasitoid larva of a braconid wasp

Head of a parasitic wasp, SEM
Head of a parasitic wasp. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a parasitic wasp (Aphelinus abdominalis). This tiny wasp is a parasite of potato and foxglove aphids

Gall midge larva head. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of the gall midge (Feltiella acarisuga) larva, which is also known as the gall gnat or gallfly

Hoverfly larva mouthparts. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the mouthparts (yellow) of a hoverfly (sub-family Syrphinae) larva

Coloured TEM of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses
Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses. Coloured transmiss- ion electron micrograph (TEM) of nuclear polyhedrosis insect viruses. The viruses have an envelope (blue) which may contain several virus particles

Moth virus

Coloured TEM of Nudaurelia beta viruses
Nudaurelia B viruses. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through several Nudaurelia B (beta) viruses (NBV)

Parasitic wasp, SEM
Parasitic wasp, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Parasitic wasps are parasitoids, parasites that always kill their host

Mosquito testis infected with bacteria. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a testis from a Culex pipiens mosquito infected with Walbachia sp. bacteria (yellow)

Mosquito ovary infected with bacteria TEM
Mosquito ovary infected with bacteria. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of an ovary from a Culex pipiens mosquito infected with Walbachia sp. bacteria (yellow)

Nematode-killing fungus, SEM
Nematode-killing fungus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spore chains from the fungus Paecilomyces variotii. This fungus is found in soil and decaying plant matter

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) growing rapidly after being cut back. Japanese knotweed is a tough, highly invasive perennial, that was introduced to this country by the Victorians

Emerald Cockroach Wasp/ Jewel Wasp: a parasitoid wasp that lays its eggs into the nerve ganglia of living cockroaches
PM-10262 Emerald Cockroach Wasp / Jewel Wasp: a parasitoid wasp that lays its eggs into the nerve ganglia of living cockroaches Tropical Africa, India

Mature Prickly Pear Moth larvae on cladode of prickly pear. Larvae bore into and feed on cactus pads, killing them
ASW-4384 Mature Prickly Pear Moth larvae on cladode of prickly pear. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Larvae bore into and feed on cactus pads, killing them

Prickly Pear Moth - Mature and young larvae on cladode of prickly pear. Larvae bore into and feed on cactus pads
ASW-4383 Prickly Pear Moth - Mature and young larvae on cladode of prickly pear Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Larvae bore into and feed on cactus pads, killing them

Prickly Pear Moth - Adult resting on spine of prickly pear. Introduced from South America to control prickly pear
ASW-4382 Prickly Pear Moth - Adult resting on spine of prickly pear. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Cactoblastis cactorum Introduced from South America to control prickly pear (Opuntia)

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"Exploring the World of Biological Control: Unveiling Nature's Tiny Warriors" In the fascinating realm of biological control, nematode worms take center stage under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). These microscopic warriors, armed with their slender bodies and sharp teeth, play a crucial role in pest management. SEM reveals the intricate details of these nematodes as they navigate through soil, seeking out insect larvae to parasitize. Another captivating sight captured by SEM is Entomophthora muscae, a fungal pathogen that preys on unsuspecting flies. This mesmerizing image showcases the fly ensnared within delicate fungal threads, highlighting nature's ability to maintain balance through natural enemies. Ground beetles C016/2097, C016/2096, and C016/2095 emerge as unsung heroes in biological control. With their voracious appetites for pests like slugs and snails, these charismatic beetles provide effective pest suppression while showcasing their striking colors and patterns. Speaking of snails, an extraordinary moment unfolds as a snake devours its slimy prey in Ecuador. The image captures this predator-prey interaction in all its glory - a testament to how nature maintains equilibrium even at its most primal level. Harmonia axyridis Arkansas or harlequin ladybird takes center stage once again. Its vibrant appearance belies its true purpose – serving as an efficient predator against aphids and other plant-damaging insects. This remarkable ladybird beetle exemplifies nature's ingenious ways of controlling pests without human intervention. Returning to our microscopic allies under SEM examination are nematode worms yet again. Their diverse forms reveal just how versatile they are in combating various pests across different ecosystems worldwide. Finally, we encounter lacewing larva under SEM scrutiny - another formidable warrior equipped with long jaws ready to seize any unsuspecting prey that crosses its path. These elegant creatures showcase both beauty and efficiency when it comes to biological control.