Bug Squad Logo

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. 

Primary Image
Forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey on Alcatraz Island. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A UC Davis Forensic Entomologist, a Museum Exhibit and a Panel Discussion

September 10, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Noted UC Davis forensic entomologist Robert “Bob” Kimsey, a past president of the North America Forensic Entomology Association (NAEA), retired from the Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty in June of 2024, but he hasn't retired from his research and public service.He will join seven death…
View Article
Primary Image
Jeff Smith, curator of the Lepidoptera collection at the Bohart Museum of Entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Insect Treasures from Papua New Guinea

September 9, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Several weeks ago, Jeff Smith, curator of the Lepidoptera collection at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, was curating micro-Lepidoptera from the Bohart scientists' collecting trip to Papua New Guinea. He still is. And what incredible work he is doing.  The Bohart's expedition to Papua…
View Article
Primary Image
Tapinoma sessile, also known as the odorous house ant. It is a very common species, but tends to be pushed aside by the introduced Argentine ant, according to UC Davis ant specialist Phil Ward

Got an Ant Question?

September 8, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Got an ant question?Professor Phil Ward, a myrmecologist or ant scientist with the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, will be featured at the Davis Science Café on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Billed as "A Conversation with Professor Phil Ward," the event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the G Street…
View Article
Primary Image
Monarch nectaring on milkweed in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What You Can Do on California Biodiversity Day

September 5, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 What are you doing on California Biodiversity Day? That's Saturday, Sept. 6, but the celebration of diverse life continues through Monday, Sept. 14.You can join the  Find 30 Species for California Biodiversity Day project on iNaturalist, and submit observations of 30 wild species between…
View Article