Bug Squad

She knows bugs. She knows what "bugs" predators and prey. Her research includes fear as a biological control. Meet Jennifer Thaler, professor at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

Hear the buzz? It's almost time to celebrate A, B, C (almonds, bees and crop pollination). But did you know that there's another celebration bee-ing hosted on Saturday, Feb. 11? And that you and your honey are invited? It's an event often billed as "the" Valentine's Day present.

The 4-H Youth Development Program isn't just about cows and chickens. It's about other projects, too, from "A" to "Z." And "B." Don't forget the honey bees. Solano County's Tremont 4-H Club, Dixon, has just launched a beekeeping project, led by adult leader Sarah Anenson.

Brother, sister...can you spare a meal? If you're rearing a bed bug colony, they need blood. Yours, if you don't mind. Someone else's, if there's no one else around.

Remember that recently concluded contest to find the first butterfly of the year?