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)

The March 10th event pits undergraduate students in biochemistry from two global universities: UC Davis and Cardiff University

March 10: Biochemistry, COVID-19, UC Davis and Cardiff University All Rolled Into One

March 8, 2021

If you want to learn about biochemistry, COVID-19, UC Davis and Cardiff University, all rolled into oneand reap an educational and entertaining experience at the same time--then you'll want to mark your calendar for 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 10, Pacific Time.

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Edith’s checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) is one of the species declining in at least two datasets quoted in the Science publication. (Photo courtesy of Walter Siegmund, Wikipedia)

'Climate Change' May Be a Key Factor in Declining Butterfly Populations

March 5, 2021

The public tends to blame habitat loss and pesticides for the declining butterfly populations in the Western United States. But climate change, aka global warming, may be an equal, if not more, of a factor.

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A black-tailed bumble bee, Bombus melanopygus, foraging on rosemary at the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park on Feb. 23, 2021. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What Does Science Tells Us About Bumble Bees and Honey Bees Foraging Together?

March 4, 2021

It's always a delight to see bumble bees and honey bees foraging together on flowers during the winter "sun breaks." Lately we've been seeing them sharing rosemary blossoms in Benicia and Vallejo.

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UC Davis Professor Phil Ward delivered a presentation on "All About Ants" at the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day/Month on Feb. 20. It is now on YouTube. Photos are by Alex Wild. (Screen shot)

Professor Phil Ward: Our Friends, the Ants

March 3, 2021

If you missed the family-friendly seminar on ants by UC Davis Professor Phil Ward on Feb. 20 during the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day/Month, not to worry. "All About Ants II" is posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/d8eRNsD8dxo.

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A monarch caterpillar and a honey bee sharing tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, in the summer of 2020 in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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Winter Monarchs: Thankfully, They're Out There

March 2, 2021

Thankfully, they're out there. Butterfly guru Art Shapiro, UC Davis distinguished professor of evolution and ecology, spotted a female monarch butterfly at 1:35 today. As he mentioned in his email: "So, at 1:25 p.m.

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