Bug Squad

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.

Lady beetle, aka ladybug, prowling for aphids on a blanket flower, Gaillardia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

When Contemplating Biocontrol of Pests

October 26, 2012

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

What are the important considerations when contemplating the biological control of pests? That's one of the topics when the Northern California Entomology Society meets on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, 155 Mason Circle, Concord.

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A golden honey bee nectaring lavender. Seventeen states list the honey bee as their state insect. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Know Your State Insect(s)

October 25, 2012

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Quick, what's the state insect of South Dakota? If you answered "the European honey bee," you're right.

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Honey bee heading for borage. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Blue October

October 24, 2012

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

It's "Orange October" for the San Francisco Giants, who just defeated the Detroit Tigers in the opening game of the World Series. But over at the Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Experiment Farm at 7781 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, it's Blue October.

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Madagascar hissing cockroaches are a big attraction at the Bohart Museum of Entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Boo, Hiss (What Was THAT?)

October 23, 2012

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

When you combine a "boo" with a "hiss," what do you get? The Bohart Museum of Entomology's annual pre-Halloween open house. The "boo"--in the way of costumes and decorations--is traditional. The hiss? That's the sound emanating from the Madagascar hissing cockroaches, aka "hissers.

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Gulf Fritillary butterfly showing signs of a predatory miss. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Close Call

October 22, 2012

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Whew! That was close! When you see a butterfly with a gaping hole in its wingspan, you wonder what predator tried to grab it. A praying mantis? A bird? A crab spider or jumping spider? A playful cat or dog? Whatever tried to grab it, it missed.

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