Bug Squad

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.

What, hippos thriving in Colombia? Yes! If you've been reading The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and National Geographic, you know about this.

When doctoral candidate and entomologist extraordinaire Brendon Boudinot delivered his exit seminar on ants to the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, he drew acclaim, admiration and applause.

"Eat your greens," they say. Okay, we don't need any encouragement, but apparently many other folks need a push, a poke or a prod to eat cole crops, including cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard, kale and kohlrabi. Well, cabbage aphids need no encouragement.