Bug Squad

Sometimes you just have to display your sense of humor. Take the case of a huge praying mantis sculpture that anchors the Davis, Calif., front yard of entomologists Robert and Lynn Kimsey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.

Have you ever seen a plume moth? Or has a plume moth ever seen you? We spotted a pterophorid plume moth (family Pterophoridae) yesterday on our back door in Vacaville, Calif.

The things we overlook are the things we should look for. Take mustard and honey bees.

So, you're sheltering in place and thinking about honey bees, bumble bees, monarchs and assorted other insects. Nematodes, too. And maybe a spider or two? You're in luck.

So many good-hearted people are trying to help others during the coronavirus pandemic. Take professional seamstress and aerobics instructor Teresa Hickman of Vacaville, Calif., who is devoting much of her time to sewing two-layer cotton face masks, now that her classes are on hiatus.