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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Mediterranean Fruit Fly. (Photo by Jack Kelly Clark)

The Invasion of Tropical Fruit Flies

March 22, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
From a trickle to a flood. But why? Professor James R. Carey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology will tell you why. He will discuss the invasion of tropical fruit flies in California at his seminar from 12:05 to 1 p.m.
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Ladybugs mating; the female continues to munch aphids. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Sure Sign of Spring

March 21, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
What's red and black with yellow all over? Ladybugs, aka lady beetles or ladybird beetles, laying their yellow eggs. It's a sure sign of spring when aphids emerge, and ladybugs feast on them. One ladybug can reportedly eat 5000 aphids in its lifetime.
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Red flame skimmer (Libellula saturata). (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

From Toe Biters to Flame Skimmers

March 20, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
From toe biters to flame skimmers... That's what visitors will see on "Aquatic Insect Day" on Sunday, March 24 at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis.
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Gulf Fritillary butterfly touches down on the leaves of an Amaryllis, aka naked lady. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Wearing of the Orange

March 18, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
It was a perfect St. Patrick's Day--not just for the wearing of the green, but for the wearing of the orange. The Gulf Fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) arrived in our yard Sunday afternoon, March 16 and deposited an egg, just like E. Bunny will do soon.
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