Bug Squad Logo

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. 

Primary Image
Malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, drawing blood. (Wikipedia Photo)

Mosquito Researcher to Discuss His Work on Immune Cells

April 9, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 Bug Squad Blog By Kathy Keatley Garvey "Mosquitoes are arguably the deadliest animal on the planet, threatening half of the world's population with the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue."So says mosquito researcher Ryan Smith, an associate professor in Iowa State University's…
View Article
Primary Image
Bug Squad template. Bumble bee foraging on bull thistle. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Nothing But Net--And a Butterfly

April 8, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 You may not be a proficient at netting an insect like entomologist Fran Keller, UC Davis doctoral alumna and Folsom Lake College professor is, but you can try your skills at the 111th annual UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 12 and maybe win a poster.The Bohart Museum of Entomology invites you to…
View Article
Primary Image
Bug Squad template. Bumble bee foraging on bull thistle. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Run, Roaches, Run!

April 7, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 A picnic is not a picnic without bugs.Bugs may be "univited guests" at your picnic, but at the campuswide UC Davis Picnic Day, they're celebrities.Yes, celebrities.The UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology (ENT) again will host its fan-favorite roach races at at Briggs Hall on Saturday,…
View Article
Primary Image
Bug Squad template. Bumble bee foraging on bull thistle

Spotlighting Bumble Bee Research in the Neal Williams' Lab

April 4, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 UC Davis bumble bee research in the news!The Ecological Society of America (ESA) recently spotlighted bumble bee research from the laboratory of pollinator ecologist Neal Williams, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.ESA singled out “Predicting Landscape-Scale Native…
View Article
Primary Image
Bug Squad blog template. Bumble bee foraging on bull thistle.

When the Bond Lab Went to Salt Lake City

April 3, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 The Jason Bond lab, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, showcased its work at the annual meeting of the Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America  (PBESA), held this week in Salt Lake City. PBESA encompasses 11 Western states, plus parts of Canada and Mexico, and U.S…
View Article