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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The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been detected in 17 California counties since 2013. (CDC Photo)

Targeting the Yellow Fever Mosquito in California

March 16, 2021
If you've been following the startling spread of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, into California--it's been detected as far north as Shasta County since 2013--then you'll want to read about the innovative research underway by a team of UC Davis scientists led by medical entomologist-geneti...
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A honey bee on honeycomb. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey, What's Going On with the Honey?

March 15, 2021
Honey, what's going on with the honey? If you're a beekeeper, a food retailer, in honey production or just want to know more about honey adulteration and food authenticity and what you can do about it, this one's for you.
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This is Henry as a winter monarch caterpillar found in the front yard of Karen Gideon, Greenbrae. It was feasting on her milkweed, “Hello Yellow” Asclepias tuberosa, native to eastern and southwestern North America. (Photo by Karen Gideon)
Bug Squad: Article

A Monarch Named Henry on 'Hello Yellow'

March 11, 2021
Meet Henry, "an unexpected guest." Make that "an early, unexpected guest who was given a warm welcome and an even warmer send-off." Henry is a Marin County winter monarch butterfly.
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A honey bee gives a "high five." (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Honey Bee 'High Five'

March 10, 2021
"Honey bees contribute nearly $20 billion to the value of U.S. crop production," according to the American Beekeeping Federation's Pollination Facts. "This contribution, made by managed honey bees, comes in the form of increased yields and superior quality crops for growers and American consumers.
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