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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 Walter Leal is organizing and moderating the second COVID-19 symposium on May 14.

Covering the COVID-19 Pandemic: Symposium on May 14

May 13, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The stage is set. All systems are go. The experts are ready to deliver their presentations and answer questions. The second COVID-19 Symposium, organized and moderated by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal, will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.
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These images of the Asian giant hornet, aka "murder hornet," are published in the journal Insect Systematics and Diversity. (Images by Allan Smith-Pardo)

Incredible Work, and Timely, on 22 Species of Hornets

May 12, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
What an incredible work! And timely, too! While many folks are panicking about the first detected (and destroyed) colony of Asian giant hornets, aka murder hornets, in North America, three entomologists have just published research on this and the 21 other known species of hornets in the genus Vespa...
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Gearing Up for Second COVID-19 Symposium on May 14

May 11, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
A panel of experts in medicine and science will present up-to-date information and answer questions at the second COVID-19 Symposium organized and moderated by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal. The free public awareness event will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.
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A painted lady, Vanessa cardui, laying her eggs on a tower of jewels, Echium wildpretii, in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Painted Ladies: Yes, They Do!

May 7, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Yes, they do, and yes, she did. Painted lady butterflies, Vanessa cardui, do lay their eggs on Echium wildpretii, commonly known as "the tower of jewels." However, this little lady (below) persistently returned a few times to find a bee-free spot.
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