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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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UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day sign

'Bee' There at UC Davis BioDiv Day!

February 4, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Are you ready for the 15th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, set Feb. 21 on the UC Davis campus?There's so much to see and do.  It's "Super Science Day," an open house showcasing 12 museums and collections across campus. It's free and family friendly, and parking is also free.This year’s…
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Bodega Head, Sonoma County. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Cindy Kron: Adventures of the North Coast Area Extension Entomologist

February 2, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 What's it like to be the North Coast Area Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor?That would include the four-county area of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake.You'll learn what it's like from UC Davis doctoral alumna Cindy Kron when she presents a seminar hosted by UC Davis Department of Entomology and…
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Finger points to queen bee. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The A's, Bee's and C's of Beekeeping

January 30, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Interested in learning about bees and beekeeping?The California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP) has just released its schedule of classes for the 2026 year.Some classes are in-person, some are hybrid (in-person and remote), and some are only remote (Zoom). The first class, "Introduction to…
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UC Davis medical entomologist-geneticist Geoffrey Attardo is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Congrats to All the Entomology Award Winners!

January 29, 2026
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Congratulations to all the entomology award recipients!What wonderful and well-deserved recognition for the entomologists in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and alumni who were named the recipients of three major awards from the Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America …
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