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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A close-up of an aphid giving birth in a Vacaville pollinator garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Ever Seen an Aphid Giving Birth?

December 9, 2021
You know those dratted aphids, those little pests that suck the very lifeblood out of your prized plants? Well, have you ever watched them give birth? They do, you know. Live births. The UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program says that "Aphids have many generations a year.
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A winged termite ready for flight as another termite waits. This image was taken Oct. 27 in Vacaville, Calif.(Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

How Termites 'Looking for Love' Landed in the News

December 8, 2021
What a year! Termites seem to be capturing the interest of more folks than usual. First, emeritus Cooperative Extension specialist Vernard Lewis of UC Berkeley, highly respected as "The Termite Man," drew widespread attention on Nov.
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The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, will be the topic of a UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology seminar on Jan. 12. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Who's Speaking at the UC Davis Entomology/Nematology Seminars?

December 7, 2021
Talk about a full schedule! Nematologist Shahid Siddique, assistant professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, not only excels at research, teaching and public service but he serves as the coordinator of the department's weekly seminars for the 2021-22 academic year.
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A lady beetle feasting on aphids on a strawberry plant in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Spotted: A Lady Beetle in a Winter Wonderland

December 6, 2021
Spotted: A lady beetle (aka ladybug) feasting on aphids in her winter wonderland. It dines uninterrupted until it sees the shadow of what could be a predator. Swoosh! It quickly slips beneath a strawberry leaf and remains there, hidden and silent until the photographer leaves.
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