Summary
Researchers led by a scientist at Keele University in Staffordshire have studied the previously unknown flight mechanisms of a common crop pest. The resulting footage will help researchers understand more about aphids' flight patterns and behavior. Researchers are studying new methods of managing pests that do not involve lethal force such as pesticides. Instead, the damage is caused by viruses that are transmitted by the insects. Major challenges must be overcome to protect crops, says James Bell. Research needs to build on research to understand the energetic cost of flight for aphids over short and long distances.