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)

An Argentine ant climbs up a spoon laden with honey. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Ants: 'The Little Things That Run the World'

January 4, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

The recent death of "Ant Man" E. O. Wilson brings back memories of a family-friendly seminar on ants that UC Davis Professor Phil Ward presented Feb. 20, 2021 during the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day/Month.

View Article

UC Davis doctoral candidate Maureen Page is the co-winner of the 2022 Robbin Thorp Bumble Bee Contest.

The Buzz Behind the UC Davis Bumble Bee Contest

January 3, 2022

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

The Bohart Museum of Entomology generated a lot of buzz when it sponsored its second annual "Robbin Thorp Memorial First-Bumble-Bee-of-the-Year Contest.

View Article

A black-tailed bumble bee, Bombus melanopygus, nectaring on nectarine blossoms in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Game On! Find and Photograph the First Bumble Bee of the Year

December 31, 2021

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Game on! If you're thinking about taking a walk in Yolo or Solano counties to celebrate the new year--or just to get some exercise in keeping with your New Year's Resolution (you did make one, didn't you?)--bring your camera.

View Article

Former UC Davis graduate student Fran Keller, now a professor at Folsom Lake College, met E. O. Wilson in May of 2005. She interviewed him for a presentation at the 2005 Entomological Society of America meeting.

A Memorable Interview with E. O. Wilson

December 30, 2021

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

This is the story about an entomologist, a rhino, a woodpecker and E. O. Wilson. Back in May of 2005, entomologist Fran Keller, a professor at Folsom Lake College and a UC Davis doctoral alumnus, interviewed E. O.

View Article

This is a cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. In its larval stage, it is a pest of cucurbits. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Beer-for-a-Butterfly Contest? Maybe Not in 2022

December 29, 2021

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

There may not be a UC Davis "Beer-for-a-Butterfly Contest" or "Suds for a Bug" in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic precautions and/or lockdown may interfere with it.

View Article