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 Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, touches down on a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Applause for the Pollinators

June 17, 2024
Bees, butterflies, beetles, birds and bats. What do they have in common? Skipping the alliteration for a moment, they're all pollinators. Honey bees grab the most attention, of course, and they do the bulk of the work. But so do bumble bees and other native bees.
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UC Davis distinguished emeritus professor Frank Zalom (right) pays tribute to UC Davis distinguished professor James R. Carey. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

James R. Carey: 44-Year Career at UC Davis

June 14, 2024
It's not often that an entomologist chalks up a 44-year career of teaching, research and public service. But such is the case with UC Davis distinguished professor James R. Carey.
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Jay Rosenheim engaged in research at the Jepson Prairie Preserve in 2011. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Jay Rosenheim: Exemplary Teacher, Mentor and Researcher

June 13, 2024
"Jay Rosenheim joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty in 1990. He received his bachelor of science degree from UC Davis in 1983 with a double major in entomology and genetics, and his doctorate in entomology from UC Berkeley in 1987.
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A yellow-face bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, is interrupted by a fast-approaching honey bee as it's nectaring on lavender in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Battle Over the Lavender: Mine, All Mine!

June 12, 2024
A yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, is foraging on lavender in a Vacaville garden. Abruptly, the bumble bee senses a fast-approaching honey bee, Apis mellifera. Bombus: "Hey, bee, this is my territory, my lavender, my food." Honey Bee: "Sorry, I'm just passing by.
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