Bug Squad

A daily (M-F) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008 and about the wonderful world of insects and those who study them. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
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A squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa, pollinating a squash blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Thank the Squash Bee on Thanksgiving

November 26, 2019
If you're having pumpkin pie or butternut squash this Thanksgiving, thank the squash bee. Squash bees are specialists (not generalists) that pollinate only the cucurbits or squash family, Cucurbitaceae, which includes pumpkins, squash, gourds, cucumbers and zucchini.
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A nest of Bombus vosnesenkii in May 2015 at the Loma Vista Farm, Vallejo. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Ever Seen a Bumble Bee Nest?

November 25, 2019
Ever seen a bumble bee nest? We remember when insect enthusiast Rita LeRoy of the Loma Vista Farm, part of the Vallejo City Unified School District, found the nest of the yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenkii, in May of 2015.
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Bruce Hammock, founder and CEO of EicOsis and Cindy McReynolds, senior program manager, with the trophy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bruce Hammock, EicOsis and Innovator of Year Award

November 21, 2019
UC Davis distinguished professor Bruce Hammock, who holds a joint appointment with the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Society, is known for his expertise in chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry and entomology.
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