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. 

Honey bee greets a Spanish lavender blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Dancing the Flamenco

March 25, 2013
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
One of TV's popular programs is "Dancing with Stars." The reality show pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers in a competition to win the mirror-ball trophy.
View Article
Mediterranean Fruit Fly. (Photo by Jack Kelly Clark)
Bug Squad: Article

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.
View Article
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.
View Article
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.
View Article
Subscribe