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)

UC Davis alumnus Angie Velazquez of Los Angeles assists her son, Hudson Carr, 4, in his first Maggot Art project. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Maggot Art: Blending Art with Science

April 25, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

If you or your favorite child, grandchild or neighbor created Maggot Art at the 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 23, chances are it's now framed.

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This is the female California dogface butterfly, photographed by Greg Kareofelas, a Bohart Museum of Entomology asociate.

Bohart Museum: Learn about California's State Insect on UC Davis Picnic Day

April 22, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Quick, what's the California state insect? You may know that the California grizzly bear (Ursus californicus) is the official state animal. You may know that the California quail (Lophortyx californica) is the official state bird.

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Visitors at the 2019 UC Davis Picnic Day take images of forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and his display. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Meet Dr. Bob--aka 'Dr. Death'--at UC Davis Picnic Day

April 21, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

If you visit the Dr. Death booth (it's actually a table!) at Briggs Hall during the 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 23, you'll meet "Dr. Bob." That would be forensic entomologist Robert "Bob" Kimsey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.

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A lady beetle, aka ladybug, devouring aphids in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Who Doesn't Love a Ladybug?

April 20, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Who doesn't love a ladybug? Call them ladybugs, call them ladybirds, call them lady beetles, call them Coccinellidae, or just call them aphid eaters or deluxe aphid eaters. Or Joey Chestnut. Or Josephine Chestnut.

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This will be the scene in front of Briggs Hall on Saturday, April 23 when the 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day takes place. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Something Bugging You?

April 19, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Got a question about insects or arthropods that's been bugging you? Head over to the Bug Doctor booth staffed by UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology doctoral students on Saturday, April 23 at Briggs Hall during the 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day. The Bug Doctor will be in.

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