insects

Health

How dangerous is Italy’s ‘violin spider’?

The violin spider, also known as the Mediterranean recluse spider – one of few ‘dangerous’ spiders found in Italy - has been in the news this month after reports of deaths caused by their bites.

Environment

How insect invaders are threatening Rome's iconic pines

Rome's majestic umbrella pines are as much part of the landscape as the ruins and cobbled streets, but they are under threat from a tiny insect invader -- the pine tortoise scale.

climate

Hot weather brings plagues of insects to Sardinia and northern Italy

Millions of locusts have devastated at least 2,000 hectares of crops in Sardinia, Italian farmers union Coldiretti said on Monday, with experts calling the invasion the worst in six decades.

insects

Ticks infest Italy's most famous art gallery

The country’s most famous art museum was forced to call in pest control on Thursday night - for the second time this week - after an employee was hospitalized due to a tick bite.

Food and Drink

Wasps and worms off the menu in Milan

Italian health authorities have seized 50 kilos of insects - including wasps and worms - destined for dishes at a Milan restaurant.