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)

A syrphid fly forages on an Arctotis "Pink Sugar" African daisy in Vacaville. Note the raindrops on the blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Pink Sugar and a Syrphid

February 15, 2024

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Who doesn't like "Pink Sugar?" No, not the sweetener. The brilliantly colored Arctotis "Pink Sugar," also known as a pink African daisy.

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Three lady beetles, aka ladybugs, form a Leaning Tower of Pisa on the UC Davis campus. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Lady Beetles, Unite!

February 14, 2024

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

That lady beetle, aka ladybug, that landed on the shoe of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk just before the NFL championship game, apparently didn't show up at the Super Bowl. The 49'ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, but what a great battle it was.

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Ready to greet the crowds are (from left) Emma Kraft, undergraduate intern; Nick Latina, doctoral student, Plant Pathology; Shahid Siddique, associate professor and principal investigator; Alison Blundell, doctoral candidate, Plant Pathology; Pallavi Shakya, doctoral candidate, Plant Pathology; Bardo Castro, postdoctoral fellow; Veronica Casey, doctoral student, Entomology; and Ching-Jung Lin, doctoral candidate, Plant Pathology. (Photo courtesy of the Siddique lab)

Showcasing Animal and Plant Parasitic Nematodes

February 13, 2024

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Nematologists answered scores of questions at the 13th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Day, a "Super Science Day" held Feb. 10. The Nematode Collection, showcased in the Katherine Esau Science Hall, drew hundreds of visitors wanting to know more about the organism commonly known as "roundworm.

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UC Davis professor Jason Bond, director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology, shows butterly specimens to Woodland residents Olive Smith, 8, and her mother Sarah Smith. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bohart Museum of Entomology: 'Be Curious'

February 12, 2024

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

It's Saturday, Feb. 10 and it's the 13th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day at the Bohart Museum of Entomology. It's a Super Science Day showcasing 10 museums or collections across campus.

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This is the newly installed mural, "Bird's Eye View," which visitors to the California Raptor Center, UC Davis campus, can see during the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day on Saturday, Feb. 10. (Photo by Diane Ullman, UC Davis distinguished professor of entomology and artist)

UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day: See 'Bird's Eye View' at the Raptor Center

February 9, 2024

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Last year during the 12th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, visitors to the California Raptor Center, 1340 Equine Lane, off Old Davis Road, marveled at all the hawks and owls held by the trainers. News flash: This year, at the 13th annual Biodiversity Museum Day, set Saturday, Feb.

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