Category: BopCo

  • BopCo’s 2025 in numbers

    BopCo’s 2025 in numbers

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    As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on an exciting and productive 2025 for BopCo! 🔎 82 identification requests processed: ➡️ 27 one-time requests from a diverse group of partners (including universities, government agencies, industry, museums, and private individuals) 🔁 55 recurring requests 44 related to bird strikes 11 involving…

  • Identification of shipworms in the port of Antwerp

    Identification of shipworms in the port of Antwerp

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    In January 2024, BopCo received damaged wood from the “Berendrechtsluis” in the port of Antwerp. The wood was riddled with tiny holes and tubes — a telltale sign of possible shipworm activity. While shipworms (Teredinidae) might resemble worms, they’re actually molluscs — long-bodied, “naked” bivalves that bore into submerged wood using tiny, sharp calcitic valves at the front edge of their body.…

  • New research uncovers the ancient origins of the “London Underground Mosquito”

    New research uncovers the ancient origins of the “London Underground Mosquito”

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    Culex pipiens is a mosquito species widely distributed across temperate regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Known as a pest in urban environments, it is also abundant and widespread in Belgium. As one of the most common mosquitoes found in human habitats, it is often referred to as the common house mosquito or the northern…

  • Invasive crayfish are disturbing Belgian waters

    Invasive crayfish are disturbing Belgian waters

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    Belgian private quarries explored by scuba divers are often inhabited by numerous exotic species, most of which have been intentionally introduced. For example, crayfish are prized for their decorative value and can be present in large numbers. However, they often cause problems by disturbing the natural balance of ecosystems. In 2023, the municipality of Middelkerke…

  • Termites found in Belgium for the first time

    Termites found in Belgium for the first time

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    This work was presented at the NEOBIOTA conference in Lisbon (September 3rd – 6th 2024). Check out the poster We’re thrilled to announce our latest research paper, documenting the first records of multiple invasive termite species in Belgium. Subterranean termites and drywood termites pose significant threats to wooden constructions, with the potential for substantial economic…