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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. 

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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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