Bug Squad

"What's wrong with my bees?" That's a question frequently asked of Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Fact is, he's an "unbee-lievable" wealth of information.

You've heard of "The Beauty and the Beast?" A fairy tale? How about "The Beauty and the Beetles?" No fairy tale. That's the theme of the open house on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Bed bug behavior? Fascinating! Just ask Kenneth Haynes. "Despite their proclivity to hide near to where we sleep and stealthily feed on our blood, bed bugs are extremely fascinating insects," he writes on his website.

It's Veterans' Day, but to jumping spiders, it's just another day--another day to ambush unsuspecting prey. We spotted this jumping spider on an orchid cactus, Epiphyllum (Greek for "upon the leaf"). It was catching a little morning sun and poised for business.

The Lone Star State will be far from "lone" or "alone" Nov. 10-13.