Nov. 15 promises to be a terrific "Science Saturday," involving two UC Davis events. And both are free and family friendly.
The Bohart Museum of Entomology will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 on "The Bees and Their Mimics," coordinated by UC Davis doctoral candidates Lexie Martin of the lab of community ecologist Rachel Vannette, professor and vice chair of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, and Abigail Lehner of the lab of pollination ecologist Neal Williams, professor. No reservations required.
"Have you ever wondered what pollinators are visiting your garden or what that black-and-yellow striped bug was?" they asked. "In California, we have an incredible diversity of insects, which may be more difficult to tell apart than you realize. At this interactive event, you will learn how to identify bees and their lookalikes, then put your newfound knowledge to the test! Along the way, you'll also learn why mimicry is beneficial to insects and the services that bees and their mimics provide. "
The event will include games, coloring sheets and hands-on activities. Guests can ask questions one-on-one with the entomologists.
You can also get acquainted with stick insects, aka walking sticks, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches from the Bohart's live petting zoo. And see all the butterfly specimens and ask questions of curator Jeff Smith and Bohart associate Greg Kareofelas. For more information, email bmuseum@ucdavis.edu.
UC Davis medical entomologist-geneticist Geoffrey Attardo will lead a workshop, “Life Begins in Water: A Workshop on Restoring Healthy Wetland Communities,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 at Capay Open Space Regional Park, Yolo County. Registration, with refreshments, at 9:30. Advance registration is appreciated. To register, access https://yolosol.org/life-begins-in-water/
This hands-on workshop will include "collecting water samples at the edge of Cache Creek and then using microscopes to examine the tiny organisms that are key to a clean. healthy environment," said Attardo, a medical entomologist-geneticist and associate professor with the Department of Entomology and Nematology. "It will be a combination of learning about traditional ecological knowledge and learning about aquatic invertebrates, their biology, and their functional roles in aquatic ecosystems. This will be a deep dive into the fascinating universe of aquatic invertebrates--tiny insects that don't have a spine but are essential to the whole web of life."
Wintun/Maidu Cultural Practitioner Diana Almendariz, known as an expert in the eco-cultural uses of tule and its essential role in a thriving marsh economy, will present a special introduction to Cache Creek. Storytelling for all ages is also planned.
The event is sponsored by YoloSol Collective and the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, with funding provided by the Yolo County Sustainability Division to support the implementation of Yolo County Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. For more information contact info@yolosol.org or call (530) 902-8407.
Cover Image: A male leafcutter bee rests in a rockpurslane in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)