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
Medical entomologist Bruce Eldridge in 2007. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Entomology World Mourning the Loss of Bruce Eldridge

February 21, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The entomology world is mourning the loss of UC Davis Professor Emeritus Bruce Eldridge. As a medical entomologist, his exemplary military, academic and administrative career spanned more than six decades. He died Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Davis at age 91. Dr.
View Article
Primary Image
A honey bee pollinating an almond blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Tough Time for Beekeepers and Almond Growers

February 19, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
It's a tough time for beekeepers and almond growers during California's almond pollination season. There's a nationwide bee shortage, rapidly increasing hive thefts and often uncooperative weather.
View Article