Bug Squad

A daily (M-F) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008 and about the wonderful world of insects and those who study them. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
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Artists work with maggots to create maggot art.

Me and My Maggot

April 16, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 "Step right up! Who wants to do maggot art?"You'll be hearing that a lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18 in the Briggs Hall courtyard during UC Davis Picnic Day.Maggot Art involves two artists--the maggots and individual youths and adults. They dip a maggot into water-based, non-toxic paint…
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A Madagascar hissing cockroach, part of the Bohart Museum of Entomology's display at the 2025 UC Davis Picnic Day.

Bohart Bugs at Briggs

April 15, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Remember the alliteration: Bohart Bugs at Briggs.That means that the Bohart Museum of Entomology "bugs" will be moved to the grounds of Briggs Hall during the campuswide UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 18. The Bohart headquarters in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building at 455 Crocker Lane…
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An entomologist holds a roach, ready to compete.

Who Introduced the Roach Races to UC Davis?

April 14, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Trivia question of the day: Who introduced the UC Davis Roach Races,  a popular attraction at the annual campuswide UC Davis Picnic Day?Have you ever been to the roach races, hosted by the UC Davis Entomology Graduate Student Association (EGSA) and heard all the cheering and shouting? The roaches…
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Petting an American cockroach at UC Davis Picnic Day

'R' Is for Roaches at UC Davis Picnic Day

April 13, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 When non-roach aficionados see a cockroach, they may dash for the bug spray or frantically call a pest control company. Or double-stomp or triple-stomp it.Not at the Roach Races, hosted by the UC Davis Entomology Graduate Student Association (EGSA) and held in front of Briggs Hall during the annual…
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Briggs Hall, UC Davis, during Picnic Day.

What's a Picnic Without Bugs?

April 10, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Go, bugs!Are you ready for the bugs?The UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology (ENT) is ready to participate in the 112th annual campuswide UC Davis Picnic Day, set Saturday, April 18. At UC Davis Picnic Days, bugs are not only invited--they're escorted!The ENT "stars of the show" will …
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