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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. 

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Forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey (left) held forth at the forensic entomology table in Briggs Hall during the 2019 UC Davis Picnic Day. He recently won a College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' advising award. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Dr. Bob, Forensic Entomology, and UC Davis Picnic Day

April 16, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Did you see "Dr. Bob" in Briggs Hall during the UC Davis Picnic Day last Saturday? Forensic entomologist Robert "Bob" Kimsey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology held forth in 122 Briggs, explaining forensic entomology to curious visitors and not-so-curious visitors.
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Graduate student Yao Cai (right) serves honey at the 2018 Picnic Day activities in Briggs Hall. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey, Let's Go Taste Honey!

April 12, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Honey, let's go taste honey! Yes, you can do just that at Briggs Hall during the UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 13. It's free and family friendly. And one of the crowd favorites, meadowfoam, will be offered.
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UC Davis medical entomologist Geoffrey Attardo holds one of his images, a tsete fly. He does research on the fly. He also will be showcasing his other images of vectors on UC Davis Picnic Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Bugs Reign Supreme at UC Davis Picnic Day

April 11, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
What's a picnic without bugs? When the 105th annual UC Davis Picnic Day takes place Saturday, April 13, thousands of visitors will explore the campus. It promises to be informative, educational and entertaining.
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Medical entomologist Geoffrey Attardo and his "Virtual Reality Bugs" demonstration drew participants all day long at the 2018 UC Davis Picnic Day. He'll do so again this Saturday. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Virtual Reality Bugs: An Incredible Experience

April 10, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
"Virtual Reality Bugs": What an incredible experience! Be sure to head over to Briggs Hall on Saturday, April 13 during the 105th annual UC Davis Picnic Day to see or participate in medical entomologist/geneticist Geoffrey Attardo's virtual reality (VR) demonstration. It's free and family friendly.
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