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. 

A Butterfly for a Beer! Or Suds for a Bug!

December 21, 2017
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
A butterfly for a beer? Suds for a bug? The annual Butterfly for a Beer contest, sponsored by Art Shapiro, distinguished professor of evolution and ecology at the University of California, Davis, gets underway on Monday, Jan. 1.
View Article

There's a 'Me' in Mead

December 19, 2017
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
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.
View Article

How to Have a Bugworthy Holiday and Beyond

December 19, 2017
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
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.
View Article