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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. 

Maojun Jin served as a visiting scholar in the Bruce Hammock lab from September 2019 to September 2020. Here he is with his family at UC Davis.

Pesticide Research: Paper of the Month

June 13, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Trace detection of such organophosphates as triazophos, parathion, and chlorpyrifos is extremely important for various reasons, including food safety, environmental monitoring, and national health, a team of scientists, including UC Davis distinguished professor Bruce Hammock pointed out last week,...
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Maggot Art at the Bohart Museum of Entomology open house. Tools of the trade: maggots, water-based and non-toxic paint, paint containers, forceps, and white paper. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bohart Museum of Entomology Open House: Magnificent Maggot Art!

June 9, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Ever created Maggot Art? You pick up a maggot with a forceps, dip it into a non-toxic, water-based paint, drop it (gently) on a white paper, and let it crawl around, or guide it. Voila! Maggot Art! It's a conversation piece. It's suitable for framing.
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UC Davis forensic entomologist Bob Kimsey tracing the history of forensic entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bohart Museum Features UC Davis Forensic Entomologist Bob Kimsey

June 8, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Song Ci (1186-1249) of China, considered the world's first forensic entomologist, knew how to solve a crime when a villager in a rice field was found dead, slashed with a sickle. He told the villagers to line up in town square with their sickles. When they did, he immediately fingered the killer.
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Molecular geneticist-physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, working in her lab. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Congratulations, Joanna Chiu, UC Davis Outstanding Professor and Mentor

June 7, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Let's congratulate molecular geneticist-physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Professor Chiu is the newly announced faculty recipient of the 2023 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research.
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