Bug Squad

A daily (M-F) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008 and about the wonderful world of insects and those who study them. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
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A cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, nectaring on lavender in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Little Cinderella

August 13, 2024
In its larval stage, it's a pest of cole crops. As an adult, it's like a little Cinderella. That would be the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. In the fairy tale, a ragged Cinderella lives with her selfish stepmother and two mean stepsisters.
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Hear that buzz? The Honey Bee (Dr. George Stock) enters the courtyard. With him are Vacaville Museum Guild members Georganne Gebers (right) of Vacaville, and Sharon Walters of Dixon. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Honey of a Bee

August 9, 2024
Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a doctor in the courtyard? Is there a doctor in the honey bee costume? Yes! That was the scene at the Vacaville Museum Guild's Annual Children's Party, held Thursday morning, Aug. 8 in the museum courtyard on Buck Avenue.
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Monarch caterpillar on milkweed in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Observing International 'Cat Day

August 8, 2024
Today (Aug. 8) is International Cat Day, the feline kind. It was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare as a day to "raise awareness for cats an learn about ways to help and protect them.
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A visitor! A late in-star monarch caterpillar munches on wilting milkweed in a Vacaville garden in triple-temperature conditions. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Welcome, Little 'Cat; 'Bye, Little 'Cat!

August 7, 2024
Monarch butterflies seem to be as scarce as hen's teeth around here. And since hens have no teeth, that's pretty scarce. And then it happened. A late in-star monarch caterpillar appeared on our milkweed in our Vacaville pollinator-predator garden on the very last day of July.
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