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Bug Squad

Bug Squad blog image depicts a honey bee sting in action.

Welcome to the Bug Squad blog! The Bug Squad blog was launched Aug. 6, 2008 and is a daily blog (Monday through Friday). It showcases entomologists and the work they do.  The blog focuses on scientists in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, the Bohart Museum of Entomology, Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, the UC Davis Bee Haven, and assorted campuswide events, including UC Davis Picnic Day, UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, and Bohart Museum open houses. The blog spotlights insects, including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and praying mantises, as well as arachnids such as jumping spiders and crab spiders. Author and photographer is Kathy Keatley Garvey, communications specialist, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, and a longtime journalist and community scientist with two degrees from Washington State University.  She is a member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE). Her blog posts and images have won international awards from ACE and ESA and appeared on journal and magazine covers. She shoots primarily with a Nikon Z-8 mirrorless camera, a Nikon D500 and Nikon 800, with assorted macro lenses. Feedspot lists it as one of the top entomology blogs on the Internet. 

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A Conversation in the Flower Bed

December 15, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Date: Sept. 9, 2023 Location: A flower bed in Vacaville, Calif. Mantis: Hi, it's me, your favorite praying mantis! I just popped in to say hello! Photographer: Well, hello there, Ms.
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A monarch caterpillar, the result of fall breeding in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Roll Call: Answer If You're Here

December 14, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Roll call of monarch caterpillars today in a milkweed bed in a Vacaville pollinator garden. Secretary: "Caterpillar No. 1!" "Present." Secretary: "Caterpillar No. 2!" "Present!" Secretary: "Caterpillar No. 3!" "Present!" Secretary: "Caterpillar No. 4!" "Here!" Secretary: "Caterpillar No.
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This image of the larva of an elm zigzag fly appears on the cover of the 2024 Entomological Society of America calendar. (Photo by Christian Brockes of Germany)

Inside the 'World of Insects' Calendar

December 13, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you like insects, macro photography, and cool calendars, you'll want to order the "World of Insects" calendar, published by the Entomological Society of America. You'll see insects you've never seen before--and learn a little about them.
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This image of Kim Flottum, taken May 20, 2010 at UC Davis, shows a live bee next to his bee pin. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Kim Flottum: Friend of Beekeepers and Bees

December 11, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
We are saddened to hear of the death of Peter "Kim" Flottum, longtime editor of Bee Culture magazine, a friend of the nation's beekeepers and bee scientists, and a close friend of the UC Davis bee community. A resident of Medina, Ohio, Kim died Sunday, Dec. 10 at his home of lung cancer at age 76.
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