Three new model systems for the study of rhythm generation in the isolated insect central nervous system are presented. Natural behavioral rhythms are produced in these cases spontaneously in the isolated CNS. They can be monitored as output of motoneurons at peripheral nerves. Recording from the neurons of the pattern generating networks during this output gives insight into neural control principles of locust respiration, of hemolymph pumping in accessory pumping organs of crickets, and of crawling movements in larvae of the weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

To grow and reproduce well, animals facing fluctuations in abiotic conditions must adjust their physiology, activity rhythms, and foraging behavior accordingly. The foraging activity and food preferences of the samsum ant Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr) (Hymenoptera Formicidae Ponerinae) were investigated both in the field and in the laboratory. Foraging activity was examined in the field for two years (2008-2009) and through all four seasons.

The use of synthetic organic pesticides has serious economic, social and environmental ramifications. Thus, this study describes the experiments using botanical and bacterial extracts to control the samsum ant (Pachycondyla sennaarensis). This ant is widely distributed in many parts of southern Saudi Arabia, and has been established as a household pest ant. Three Saudi plants, harmal (Rhaza stricta), boxthorn (Lycium shawii) and artemisia (Artemisia inculta) and two bacterial extracts, Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis and Streptomyces sp.

The use of entomopathogenic fungi is a promising alternative to chemical control against mosquitoes. In February 2013, two fungi were isolated from the Samsum ant, Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected in Riyadh, KSA. One of these fungi, identified as Fusarium solani was highly pathogenic against larvae of the mosquito, Aedes caspius (Diptera: Culicidae). F. solani killed 100% of Ae. caspius within 5 days of exposure to the concentration of 5x107 cfu/ml. Also, results indicated that F. solani was more virulent to the mosquito larvae than F.

Insects are considered pests if they threaten a resource that is valued by humans, such as human health. The protection of a resource from a pest is usually achieved by poisoning the pest with a toxic pesticide, but protection can also be achieved by manipulating a behavior of the pest. Manipulation is defined as the use of stimuli that either stimulate or inhibit a behavior, thereby changing its expression.