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 feral honey bee colony (now gone) in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Presidential Love of Bees: From 'Bee Houses' to 'Bee Trees'

February 19, 2024
Today, on Presidents' Day, let's buzz back in history to our first President and his love of honey bees. Picture this: George Washington (Feb. 22, 1732-Dec. 14, 1799) is eating hoecakes with honey, and adding honey to his tea, something that historians say he did every day.
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Bohart associate and entomologist, Nazzy Pakpour, PhD, author of "Please Don't Bite Me: Insects that Buzz, Bite and Sting," greets guests at the Bohart Museum. In back are Bohart director Jason Bond (right) conversing with Brennen Dyer, collections manager. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

At the Bohart: Life Is Better With Bugs

February 16, 2024
They came. They saw. They held out their hands. Hands? Yes, to hold Madagascar hissing cockroaches and stick insects (walking sticks). The Bohart Museum of Entomology greeted some 1400 visitors during the 13th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, an event held Feb.
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A syrphid fly forages on an Arctotis "Pink Sugar" African daisy in Vacaville. Note the raindrops on the blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Pink Sugar and a Syrphid

February 15, 2024
Who doesn't like "Pink Sugar?" No, not the sweetener. The brilliantly colored Arctotis "Pink Sugar," also known as a pink African daisy.
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Three lady beetles, aka ladybugs, form a Leaning Tower of Pisa on the UC Davis campus. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Lady Beetles, Unite!

February 14, 2024
That lady beetle, aka ladybug, that landed on the shoe of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk just before the NFL championship game, apparently didn't show up at the Super Bowl. The 49'ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, but what a great battle it was.
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