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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Where's the walking stick? It's the top "twig" in the background. This is a female. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A Case of Identity Theft

February 28, 2012
Just call it a case of identity theft at the Bohart Museum of Entomology. But wait! Before you ask "Is everything okay?" and suggest contacting law enforcement immediately, not to worry. This is a different case of identity theft. Insects! Camouflaged insects! Take the walking stick.
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Blow fly on a New Zealand tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium). (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Pollinator!

February 27, 2012
When you see the blow fly (below), what do you think? Well, that depends on who you are and what you do--or maybe your earliest negative/positive insect recollections.
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Asian citrus psyllid is an invasive pest. (Photo by M. E. Rogers, University of Florida)

The Threat of Invasive Species

February 24, 2012
The public, says entomologist Kris Godfrey, needs to become more aware of the threat of invasive species. And, she adds, we need to educate people and organizations about the incoming pests and pests that are already here.
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Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen answers questions from a Woodland crowd. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Zeroing in on Honey Bee Decline

February 23, 2012
Honey bee guru Eric Mussen talks a lot about the declining honey bee population. After all, he's served as the Extension apiculturist with the UC Davis Department of Entomology since 1976.
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Honey bee packing pollen while foraging on a nectarine blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey

Packing It In

February 22, 2012
If you've ever watched honey bees work the blossoms, you'll probably see them packing pollen in their pollen baskets and cleaning their tongue as they buzz from flower to flower. Pollen is protein, and nectar, carbohydrates.
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