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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MOSQUITO RESEARCHER Tara Thiemann, a doctoral candidate, UC Davis Department of Entomology, is the recipient of the William C. Reeves New Investigator Award. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

New Breed of Scientists

March 9, 2010
William C. Reeves (1916-2004) would have been proud. Remember William "Bill" Reeves? A renowned entomologist, professor and dean at UC Berkeley, he was widely regarded as the world's foremost authority on the spread and control of mosquito-borne diseases.
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Picture-winged fly (Ceroxys latiusculus) (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Tracking the Picture-Winged Fly

March 8, 2010
Honey bees, bumble bees, hover flies, parasitoids and common houseflies aren't the only visitors paying their respects to our two nectarine trees. A picture-winged fly (Ceroxys latiusculus) dropped in on Feb. 28 for a quick visit.
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BLACK-FACED BUMBLE BEE (Bombus californicus) gathering pollen in a California poppy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Saving the Native Bees in Yolo County

March 5, 2010
Xerces Society scientists just developed a first-of-its-kind conservation strategy summarizing the threats facing native bees in the diverse landscapes of Yolo County and identifying measures to protect them. And what a great conservation--and conservation--piece this is.
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THIS COLLECTION of bees, by native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp, shows the wide diversity of bees in Yolo County. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

So Many Bees

March 3, 2010
Folks accustomed to seeing only honey bees (which are non-natives) buzzing around their yard probably aren't aware that in the United States alone there are some 4000 identified species of native bees. And they probably aren't aware of The Bee Course.
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