From the UC Blogosphere...

C'mon in, My LIttle Pretties

Insects and Halloween just seem to go together. What would Halloween be like without costumes depicting honey bees,...

Kara Handy of Davis wore this creative costume. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Kara Handy of Davis wore this creative costume. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Maia Lundy of Davis Senior High School, an intern at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, spreads her monarch wings. At left is James Heydon, 11, of Davis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Maia Lundy of Davis Senior High School, an intern at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, spreads her monarch wings. At left is James Heydon, 11, of Davis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Entomologist Nick Herold chats with "black widow spider" Tabatha Yang. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Entomologist Nick Herold chats with "black widow spider" Tabatha Yang. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

UCCE advisor writes educational children's book

Just in time for Christmas, UC Cooperative Extension advisor Rachel Long releases a book that will introduce children to the fascinating world of bats, said an article in the Woodland Record. "Gold Fever," the first in the "Black Rock Desert Trilogy," in already for sale at some outlets, but is scheduled to be officially released Dec. 4.

In the book, 9-year-old Jack is searching for gold with his dad in the Black Rock Range, when he falls into a cave. He befriends a bat named Pinta and a coyote pup named Sonny, who are determined to help him find his way home.

Tate Publishing quotes New York Times science journalist Jim Robbins as saying, "Bats play a little know, but vital role in the world. This book introduces young readers to their world in an engaging and entertaining way."

Long signed copies of the book last Saturday at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop in Woodland.

"Gold Fever" is available on the Tate Publishing website for $11.99.

When Contemplating Biocontrol of Pests

What are the important considerations when contemplating the biological control of pests? That's one of the topics when the...

Lady beetle, aka ladybug, prowling for aphids on a blanket flower, Gaillardia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Lady beetle, aka ladybug, prowling for aphids on a blanket flower, Gaillardia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Close-up of lady beetle, aka ladybug. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Close-up of lady beetle, aka ladybug. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

UC's Desert REC celebrates 100 years

The agricultural and academic communities came together yesterday in Imperial County to celebrate the first 100 years of the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center, and to look toward the center's future, reported Imperial Valley Press.

The center was established in 1912 to address the Imperial Valley’s unique agricultural challenges. Its areas of research include irrigation and drainage, pest management and crops that would thrive in the desert, wrote reporter Antoine Abou-Diwan.

At the centennial celebration, Imperial County Supervisor Ray Castillo praised the center and presented a proclamation.

“Agriculture will continue to be the backbone of the Imperial County,” he said. “The Board of Supervisors hereby congratulates the University on the 100th anniversary.”

Know Your State Insect(s)

Quick, what's the state insect of South Dakota? If you answered "the European honey bee," you're right. The honey bee (Apis...

A golden honey bee nectaring lavender. Seventeen states list the honey bee as their state insect. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A golden honey bee nectaring lavender. Seventeen states list the honey bee as their state insect. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bee decorates the map of South Dakota, signifying it's the state insect. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bee decorates the map of South Dakota, signifying it's the state insect. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

U.S. map at the Bohart Museum shows the states with state insects. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

U.S. map at the Bohart Museum shows the states with state insects. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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