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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 jumping spider on an orchid cactus, Epiphyllum. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Lurking in the Orchid Cactus

November 11, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
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.
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A honey bee heading toward almond blossoms. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Honey Bees and Extinction

November 7, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
"Would the extinction of honey bees lead directly to the extinction of humans?" That's a recent question posed on Quora, where folks can ask questions and receive answers. The answer is "no.
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A monarch butterfly on lantana last week in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Saving the Monarchs

November 6, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you think people don't care about monarch butterflies, think again. A recent survey published in Conservation Letters showed that Americans are willing to spend at least $4.78 billion to help conserve monarchs (Danaus plexippus), one of the most recognizable of all insects.
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Hover fly, Eristalis hirta, on zinnia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Lovin' the Zinnias

November 5, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Orange zinnias not only brighten our autumn days but glorify our gardens. And when there's a bug on the zinnias, all the better.
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