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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. Feedspot lists it as one of the top entomology blogs on the Internet. 

Status of Overwintering Monarchs in California

December 14, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Is the overwintering monarch butterfly population along California's coast increasing or decreasing? "So far, far the picture is rather mixed for the number of monarchs in California," according to Matthew Shepherd, communications director for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
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Getting a Zing Out of the Zinnias

December 11, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you're missing the warmth of summer and watching butterflies flutter around your garden, sometimes it's good to back pedal. We were looking through our zinnia photos today and came across a Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) spreading its wings on two different zinnias.
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Searching for the Most Unusual Gift?

December 10, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
It's definitely one of a kind. If you gift this to a family, friend or yourself, no one can ever take it away. It can't be stolen, damaged or lost. You'll never wear it out. It will never go out of fashion. It will always be considered special, creative, generous and thoughtful.
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Stop and Smell the Rosemary

December 9, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
There's been a lot of talk lately about rosemary. Sniff the fragrance of the herb and it will improve your memory. That's what's being said.
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