Bug Squad

Want to learn more about those insect pests that ravage our crops? Curious about spiders and their ecological roles? Ever heard of the California dogface butterfly, which the California State Legislature designated at the state insect 50 years ago? You're in luck.

What's better than seeing a yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, foraging on an neon pink ice plant at Bodega Bay? Seeing two bumble bees on the same flower. That's what we observed on a recent trip to Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay, Sonoma County. It was bumble bee heaven.

When evolutionary biologist Corlett Wood attended her first evolutionary meeting in 2010 in Portland, Ore., she reported that "I had found my people." Today she's an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and has found her calling.

In case you missed editor Jocelyn Anderson's piece in the UC Davis Magazine, don't miss this upcoming documentary: "Weeping Rocks" will showcase the 50-year research of butterfly guru Art Shapiro, a UC Davis distinguished professor with the Department of Evolution and Ecology, College of Biological...

One more look at the annual California Honey Festival, held Saturday, May 7 in downtown Woodland... They came to taste the honey, learn about the importance of honey bees, check out the bee observation hives, and to engage with beekeepers and merchants.