Bug Squad

She's only 11 years old, but already she's interested in butterflies.

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.