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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 flameskimmer or firecracker skimmer (Libellula saturata) perches on a bamboo stake. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Flameskimmers Are Back!

April 13, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The flameskimmers are back! We've been waiting for the new generation of flameskimmers, aka firecracker skimmers (Libellula saturata), to visit our yard after the long winter. On Sunday, a male flameskimmer did.
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A queen bee and her retinue. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Thinking of Becoming a Commercial Beekeeper?

April 10, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
So you're thinking of become a commercial beekeeper and renting your colonies to almond growers. California currently grows some 900,000 acres of almonds, and each acre requires two colonies for pollination. A friend gave you some old bee boxes.
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A honey bee foraging on anemone. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Love the List

April 9, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Bees and other pollinators may have a tough time during the fourth year of California's severe drought, as they search for nectar and pollen. Expect to see many plants wither, wilt and die due to the "D" word, "Drought." Gov.
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A lady beetle, aka ladybug, devouring an aphid. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Do You Know What's In a Hedgerow?

April 8, 2015
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you like to see lady beetles devouring aphids or assassin bugs piercing spotted cucumber beetles, then you'll love the workshop taking place Saturday, April 11 in rural Zamora, Yolo County. That's not to say you'll see beneficial insects doing their thingbut you might.
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