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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. 

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A robber fly rests on a hand. (Photo by Allan Cabrero)

'Fly Fun' Is Underway Through May 6

May 2, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 If you missed World Robber Fly Day on Wednesday, April 30, not to worry.There's still time to celebrate."The first-ever International Fly Week started April 30 on World Robber Fly Day and ends on World Bee Fly Day on May 6," said UC Davis alumna Brittany Kohler, research assistant in the lab of ant…
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UC Davis doctoral candidate Alison Blundell showing nematode specimens at UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Congrats to Outstanding UC Davis Doctoral Candidate Alison Blundell

May 1, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Congrats to Alison!Doctoral candidate Alison Blundell of the laboratory of associate professor Shahid Siddique, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is the recipient of the 2025 John M. Webster Outstanding Student Award from the Society of Nematologists.We are so proud of her and her…
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A chicken in a pen. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

How 'Tiny Terrors' Affect the Health and Productivity of Your Chickens

April 30, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Humans aren't fond of ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas, lice, parasitic flies and mites.Neither are chickens. In a timely talk, veterinary entomologist Amy Murillo, an assistant professor in the UC Riverside Department of Entomology, will discuss "Tiny Terrors: How Ectoparasites Undermine…
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Honey bee on almond blossom (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Hive to Host Mini-Honey Festival

April 29, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Bug Squad Blog By Kathy Keatley GarveyThe Disappointing News: The California Honey Festival, initially scheduled for Saturday, May 3 in downtown Woodland, has been postponed due to a forecast of inclement weather. The festival has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 21.The Good News: The Hive at 1221…
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A beekeeper points to the queen bee. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A Honey of a Festival

April 28, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Breaking News: Due to the weather forecast of inclement weather, the 2025 California Honey Festival has been rescheuled from May 3 to June 21.  The California Master Beekeeper Program and the UC Davis Arboretum will be providing fun and educational activities at the “mini-honey festival” from 11 a…
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