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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. Feedspot lists it as one of the top entomology blogs on the Internet. 

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UC Davis distinguished professor Bruce Hammock is known for his expertise in chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry and entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey

These Scientists Do UC Davis Proud

June 8, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Congratulations to the three UC Davis scientists who are sharing the Royal Society of Chemistry's Horizon Team Award for their click-chemistry work that advances chemistry and pushes the boundaries of sciences. They do UC Davis proud. Very proud.
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A mint moth, Pyrausta californicalis, nectaring on lavender in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What's Better than a Mint on Your Pillow?

June 4, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
What's better than a mint on your pillow? A mint moth in your garden! We ran across this colorful mint moth, Pyrausta californicalis (as identified by UC Davis distinguished professor Art Shapiro) on May 20 in a Vacaville bed of tall lavender.
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