Ongoing research

What has six legs and is green all over? If you think like an entomologist, that's easy. Walking sticks, walking leaves, mantids, crickets and grasshoppers...

First question: Concerned about the declining bee population and deteriorating bee health? Second question: Like to paint, draw, sculpt or photograph honey bees? Or craft bee jewelry? Or use another art medium?

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.

2009 rice variety trial results, red rice update, rice water weevil distribution in California rice fields.

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.

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.

Research entomologist Terry Griswold of the USDA-ARS (U.S.

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.

It's a peach of a tree, but it isn't a peach. It's a nectarine, a close variety of the peach--the result of a genetic mutation. In between the rain storms, honey bees are nectaring the nectarines and packing pollen, getting ready for the spring hive build-ups.

The old Town Hall off Main Street, Vacaville, Calif., is the perfect backdrop for Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) thriving in planters. The Iceland poppies, sometimes called arctic poppies, are native to northern Europe and North America. "Papaver" is the Greek word for "poppy.