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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Female praying mantis, Stagmomantis limbata. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What a Mantis!

September 16, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 There’s a “mom” in the word Stagmomantis, as in Stag-mom-antis limbata. That genus name seems quite appropriate for a gravid mantis, don't you think?Take the mama-to-be that's a permanent tenant in a Vacaville patch of African blue basil. She knows this is the place to "bee."We've nicknamed her …
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Honey bee in flight. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bee-ing There: A Buzzworthy Event

September 12, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 It was a joy to see the amazing group of UC Davis employees receiving well-deserved awards at the UC Davis Staff Assembly's Citation of Excellence ceremony, held Sept. 10 at the residence of Chancellor Gary May.One of the recipients was "bee guy" Joseph Tauzer, manager of the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey…
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Lecture that Professor Jason Bond delivered.

Sharing Spider Research in Slovenia

September 11, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 It's not often that a UC Davis scientist heads to Slovenia to share expertise on trapdoor spiders.As a Fulbright Special Program award recipient, Professor Jason Bond is doing just that. He's meeting with scientists and presenting talks at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Slovenia. …
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Forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey on Alcatraz Island. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A UC Davis Forensic Entomologist, a Museum Exhibit and a Panel Discussion

September 10, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Noted UC Davis forensic entomologist Robert “Bob” Kimsey, a past president of the North America Forensic Entomology Association (NAEA), retired from the Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty in June of 2024, but he hasn't retired from his research and public service.He will join seven death…
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