Bug Squad

The UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology's weekly virtual seminars resume Wednesday, Dec. 2 with a program on nematodes, or "roundworms.

If the year 2020 "bugged" you, you're not alone. It certainly did the insect museum, the Bohart Museum of Entomology at the University of California, Davis.

Gulf Fritillaries in November? Yes! Gulf Fritillaries (Agraulis vanillae) are still active here in Solano County, on those warm, sunny afternoons that defy the season. They're still hanging around their host plant, Passiflora (passionflower vine), "looking for love" (thank you, Johnny Lee).

Thanksgiving isn't about selecting the largest turkey in the store, engaging in road rage or aisle anger, or preparing for the Black Friday sales. Thanksgiving is all about sharing--sharing gratitude, love and a meal.

The lady beetle, aka ladybug, scurried up the lion's tail plant, Leonotis leonurus. Up one stem and down another, she went. Apparently, she didn't find what she was looking for--aphids or other small bodied-insects--and took flight. If you haven't planted this in your pollinator garden, you should.