Bug Squad

A daily (M-F) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008 and about the wonderful world of insects and those who study them. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Taste of Honey--Pomegranate Honey

October 12, 2016
Last spring you may have seen honey bees pollinating the showy pomegranate blossoms. The ancient fruit, first cultivated around 4000 B.C. in Persia and known as "the fruit of kings," bursts with flavor, antioxidants and medicinal qualities.
View Article

A Perfect Perch for a Dragonfly

October 11, 2016
A perfect perch. A young male variegated meadowhawk dragonfly, Sympetrum corruptum, found a perfect perch--a seed ball of Mexican sunflower (Tithonia) in our pollinator garden in Vacaville, Calif. It towered over the garden and so did he.
View Article

What? Monarch Eggs in October?

October 10, 2016
So here it is Monday, Oct. 10 and the monarch butterflies are still laying eggs on our milkweed in Vacaville, Calif. "Mrs. October" fluttered down to our tropical milkweed at 4:30 p.m. today and began laying eggs on three tropical milkweeds (Asclepias curassavica).
View Article

These Girls Could Make or Break Your Halloween!

October 7, 2016
This just in for Halloween! Ever seen a false black widow spider? Commonly known as the cupboard spider, it's a semi-cosmopolitan spider that's often confused with the "real" black widow spider, known for its powerful venom.
View Article

Those Beautiful 'Cats

October 6, 2016
Late bloomers. Late eaters. Monarch butterflies are migrating now, but we're still finding a few caterpillars in our pollinator garden in Vacaville, Calif.
View Article