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)

This amazing photo of a tsetse fly (Glossina genus) is the work of UC Davis medical entomologist Geoffrey Attardo. His lab "uses a combination of biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology to study the interactions between African trypanosomes and tsetse flies." (Image by Geoffrey Attardo)

Consider the Tsetse Fly: That's the Subject of a UC Davis Seminar on March 14

March 10, 2018

Consider the tsetse fly. The tsetse fly (Glossina genus), found in sub-Saharan Africa, transmits Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease that we commonly refer to as "sleeping sickness.

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IPM specialist Frank Zalom, UC Davis distinguished professor of entomology and Extension entomologist, checks over a strawberry field.

Frank Zalom: Champion of IPM!

March 9, 2018

When you hear those three little words, "Integrated Pest Management," you immediately think of two words, "Frank Zalom." They go together like superman (Clark Kent) and supervillian (Lex Luthor). Or like Coccinellidae (lady beetles) and Aphididae (aphids).

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Heads of Rhadinoscelidia malaysiae species. "One of the most unusual things about these wasps is the weird head deformities," says Lynn Kimsey. "I’ve never seen it in any other wasps or bees that I’ve studied."

Hmm, What's That Critter with the Long, Skinny Necks and Legs?

March 8, 2018

They have weird, long, skinny hinged necks, long skinny legs, and the wing bases are covered by a structure that looks like a large hub cap.

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A pollen-covered honey bee forages on a Gallardia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

UC Davis Arboretum Plant Sale on March 10; Why Not Think Gaillardia?

March 7, 2018

If you've been thinking about blanketing your garden with blanketflower (Gaillardia), you're in luck. The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is hosting a spring plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Female sweat bees, Halictus ligatus, on goldenrod at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Unforeseen Trophic Interactions in Ag Systems: What-Eats-What in the Food Chain

March 6, 2018

Trophic interactions--or what-eats-what in the food chain or food web of a given ecosystem--will come to life Wednesday, March 7 when associate professor of entomology/Extension specialist John Tooker of Pennsylvania State University discusses "Unforeseen Trophic Interactions in Agricultural and Nat...

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