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)

A newly emerged Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, an image taken in 2021. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What's in a Name? Western Tiger Swallowtail

March 16, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

It's not "officially" spring until we see--and photograph--the spectacular Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus. That's what I posted April 2, 2021 on Bug Squad after seeing one land March 30 on a white lilac bush in a Vacaville park.

View Article

One of Art Shapiro's monitoring sites is Gates Canyon, Vacaville. Here he looks for butterflies in this image taken on Jan. 25, 2014. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Art Shapiro: Monitoring Butterfly Populations in Central California Since 1972

March 15, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

If you missed it, yesterday (March 14) was the annual "National Learn About Butterflies Day." That's the day we're encouraged to "to look for a blur of color as butterflies begin migrating across the country.

View Article

A jumping spider on a yellow rose peers at the photographer. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bug Squad: Article

How Many Spiders Have You Saved Today?

March 14, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet Eating her curds eating and whey Along came a spider who sat down beside her And frightened Miss Muffet away (English nursery rhyme recorded in 1805) What, Miss Muffet ran away?

View Article

Three nematologists kept busy at their booth at the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day. In front is coordinator Shahid Siddique, assistant professor, and his doctoral students Pallavi Shakya (nearest him) and Alison Coomer. In the back (far right) is Rob Blundell, not part of the lab, but who assisted. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Nematode Booth Wows Crowd at UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day

March 11, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Nematodes! The display of nematodes (aka "roundworms") at the 11th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, held Sunday, March 6 in the UC Davis Conference Center, drew scores of curious visitors. Many were dog owners with an interest in heartworms.

View Article

A squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa, pollinating a squash. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

UC Davis Scientists Weigh in on 'The Plight of the Pollinators'

March 10, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

UC Davis scientists weighed in on "The Plight of the Pollinators," in an informative article by Ula Chrobak in the March edition of UC Davis Magazine, edited by Jocelyn Anderson.

View Article