Bug Squad

There's a "me" in mead. Mead or honey wine is the "in" thing, and the UC Davis Honey and Pollination Center, directed by Amina Harris, has announced plans for three mead classes for January-February and a feast on Feb. 9 that celebrates mead and honey.

So you're looking for a suitable bugworthy holiday gift. You're in luck. UC Davis has you covered. Want to buy the Honey Flavor and Aroma Wheel? Check. Want to buy honey (wildflower, orange blossom, coriander)? Check. Want insect/floral photography notecards? Check.

Imagine having an insect named for you. How awesome is that? It's especially an honor when a duo--a husband-and-wife nature conservation team--is singled out for that recognition.

On the path to pain, a little pleasure can unfold.

I'm just a little ol' honey bee foraging on lavender. I left my warm colony in Vacaville, Calif. to see if there's any nectar out there. My sisters are hungry. I'm not sure if we have enough honey to tide us over until spring.