Bug Squad

Sometimes you just can't win for losing. This morning a newly emerged Gulf Fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) began drying its damp wings, preparing for flight. It had just emerged from its chrysalis.

Talk about a spittin' image. When you see one spittlebug froth, you've seen them all, right? They all look alike, right? Well, the froth does, but you'll see different shapes and sizes on your plants.

So, what's a meloid beetle to do? Here you are, a meloid beetle foraging on a Mexican sunflower (Tithonia) and these long-horned digger bees keep dive-bombing you and pestering you. Then a Gulf Fritilllary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) decides it wants a share of your flower.

It promises to be a fun and educational entomological weekend at the University of California, Davis! Think noon and night. Friday noon! At Friday noon, July 17, ant specialist Phil Ward, professor of entomology, will present a program on the species of ants found in the Hagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven.

Take one Mexican sunflower (Tithonia). Add daylight. Add one praying mantis. Add patience, persistence and perseverance. And you have a recipe for success or failure.