Bug Squad

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.

As Extension apiculturist, Eric Mussen shared his knowledge of bees. Here he opens a hive for a group to show them the queen, worker bees and drones. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A Rousing, Standing Ovation for Eric Mussen

January 18, 2018

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

It was so well-deserved. Internationally known honey bee guru Eric Mussen, Extension apiculturist emeritus, drew a rousing, standing ovation on Jan. 12 at the 75th annual American Beekeeping Federation's conference in Reno.

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A cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, nectaring on catmint last summer in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

That Elusive Cabbage White Butterfly

January 17, 2018

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

If you've been looking for that cabbage white butterfly in the three-area county of Sacramento, Yolo and Solano to win UC Davis Professor Art Shapiro's "Beer for a Butterfly" contest, there's still hope. Shapiro hasn't found it, either.

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Entomologist Jeff Smith, who curates the butterfly/moth collection at the Bohart Museum, enjoys sharing knowledge about insects. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

It's Butterfly Heaven at the Bohart Museum

January 16, 2018

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Butterfly heaven! Entomologist Jeff Smith, who curates the butterfly and moth collection at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, UC Davis, is in butterfly heaven.

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Like to draw or color dragonflies? You'll have the opportunity to do just that at the Bohart Museum of Entomology open house from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 21. This is a flameskimmer dragonfly, Libellula saturata. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Insect Art Is the 'In' Thing: Don't Miss Bohart Museum Open House on Jan. 21

January 15, 2018

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

"Just call it a "Day of Insect Art!" Sunday afternoon, Jan. 21 promises to be a day of inspiration, creativity and delight when the Bohart Museum of Entomology hosts an open house, "Bug-Art@The Bohart" from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building, Crocker Lane.

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Entomologist Fiona Goggin of the University of Arkansas studies plant defenses. A UC Davis alumnus, she will return to the campus Jan. 17 to present a seminar. Here aphids suck out plant juices in a rose. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What's New in Entomology/Nematology Seminars

January 12, 2018

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

The UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology is gearing up for a plethora of seminars for the winter quarter--ranging from understanding insect behavior to understanding biodiversity. The department launched the seminars Wednesday, Jan.

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