Bug Squad

Marek Borowiec, who attributes his interest in ants to E.O. Wilson's autobiography "Naturalist," has just won a major award. It's more than major: it's an international award for his distinguished research and scholarly activity.

Bugs: they're what's for dinner! Well, at some dinners. In. Many. Parts. Of. The. World.

The joy of the season strikes a chord. When bees slip out of their California hives during winter sun breaks, they often head over to mallow blossoms to grab some nectar and pollen.

They've got your back. And your bees. The declining honey bee population now has 52 more friends. Science-based friends. Bee ambassadors. Partners.

It may be extinct, but don't say the "E" word to Robbin Thorp. Thorp, a noted bumble bee expert, hasn't seen Franklin's bumble bee for 10 years, but that doesn't mean it's not there--somewhere in its small native range of southern Oregon and northern California.