Bug Squad

Definitely a good dose of Christmas Cheer! In the plant world, that would be the Kniphofia Christmas Cheer," also known as "red-hot poker." On a visit last week to the Storer Garden, UC Davis Arboretum, we encountered a lone honey bee foraging among the Christmas Cheer.

'Twas the night before Christmas When all through the house Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse... --'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) No, but maybe a boxelder bug (Boisea trivittatus).

When the U.S. Postal Service Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee meets in January 2010, let's hope the group supports the proposal for a Lorenzo Langstroth commemorative stamp. The Rev.

Every year the Entomological Society of America (ESA) invites its members and other interested persons to enter the Insect Salon juried photo competition. It's a highly competitive event, drawing photographs from around the world. The non-profit Peoria (Ill.) Camera Club coordinates it.

If you look closely at the colorful ceramic sign at the Harry H.Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility on Bee Biology Road, University of California, Davis, you'll see an entrance to a bee hive. Entrance? Right. There's a hole in the skep, which tunnels to a hive in back of the sign.