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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. 

The Wandering Caterpillar 'Strikes a Cord'

November 20, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
When you're rearing monarch caterpillars in an indoor habitat, watch out for the escapees. Monarch 'cats seem to like to wander--and pupate on the most unlikely of places. We have two small butterfly habitats on our kitchen counter.
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A New Wasp Species? EGSA's Winning T-Shirt

November 19, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you're trying to fuse art with science and want to draw a wasp on a penny-farthing, but the legs are too short to reach the pedals, there's only one thing to do: lengthen the legs! And create a "new species" of wasp in the process.
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Neonics and Bumble Bees

November 18, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Research published today in the journal Nature about neonicintoid pesticide exposure and bumble bees is causing quite the buzz, and keeping noted bumble bee expert Robbin Thorp busy fielding phone calls.
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Primary Image
Alex Wild shows photographers some white box techniques at BugShot Hastings. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

BugShot Austin 2016!

November 17, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you like to photograph insects, and want to know more about macro photography and entomology, then "BugShot Austin 2016" may be something to consider-- for either yourself or as a gift for someone.
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