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)
A LONE FLY visits a flower in the Storer Garden, UC Davis Arboretum, on Feb. 27, 2009. The common housefly is known to transfer at least 100 different pathogens and carry about 6.6 million bacteria on its body at a single time, according to UC Davis forensic entomologist Bob Kimsey. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Flies 'n Superbugs

March 16, 2009
It wasn't too surprising. Reuters posted a story online today about flies spreading drug-resistant "superbugs" from chicken droppings.
View Article
UC EXTENSION APICULTURIST Eric Mussen with a bee observation hive at the 2008 Dixon May Fair. The exhibit, featuring question-and-answer-sessions with Mussen, just won second place in a Western Fairs Association competition. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Honey of an Award

March 13, 2009
A honey bee exhibit at the 133rd annual Dixon May Fair featuring Cooperative Extension Apiculturist Eric Mussen has just won a top regional honor. The exhibit, housed appropriately in the floriculture building, won second place in the Western Fairs Associations non-competitive exhibit category.
View Article
VARROA MITE on drone. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Mighty Mite

March 12, 2009
The BBC this week examined colony collapse disorder (CCD), a mysterious phenomonen characterized by bees abandoning their hives. The adult bees buzz off, leaving the brood and stored food behind. They do not return.
View Article
DARWIN--This piece at the Pence Gallery, Davis, is the work of ceramic artist Nuala Creed of Petaluma. Of her art she says: “As he sits holding butterflies and the jawbone of an animal, the chimp gazes directly at the viewer. His offering to us, his next of kin, is his curiosity of the natural world. His intelligence is shown by his inquisitiveness. His name is Darwin, in honor of Charles Darwin, whose work helped us realize that we humans are not above nature, but are of nature. The chimp may be asking us
Bug Squad: Article

Analyze This!

March 11, 2009
A chimpanzee holds a monarch butterfly in a ceramic art work titled Darwin. Human hands cradle insects and assorted objects in a ceramic work titled Analyze This. Those are just two of the art works featured in a juried show under way at the Pence Gallery, 212 D St., Davis.
View Article
This is a photo of Pterostichus lama, which UC Berkeley scientist Kipling "Kip" Will describes as "the largest carabid beetle in California and as big as any in North America." It was taken by one of his students, Ainsley Seago.
Bug Squad: Article

Largest Carabid Beetle in California

March 10, 2009
Tomorrow's a good day to learn about carabid beetles. Kipling "Kip" Will, associate professor of insect systematics, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley, will discuss his research at a noon seminar, Wednesday, March 11 in 122 Briggs Hall, UC Davis.
View Article
Subscribe