Bug Squad

The Sting. (c) Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The Bug Squad blog, by Kathy Keatley Garvey of the University of California, Davis, is a daily (Monday-Friday) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008. It is about the wonderful world of insects and the entomologists who study them. Blog posts are archived at https://my.ucanr.edu/blogs/bugsquad/index.cfm. The story behind "The Sting" is here: https://my.ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7735.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Culex quinquefasciatus, which can transmit West Nile virus. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Article

The Mosquito Man: Stepping Down

December 16, 2011
Most people have never served 38 consecutive years on an executive board that looks out for the health and welfare of two million people. But then again medical entomologist Robert Washino isn't most people.
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The tiny egg of a future honey bee weighs about 0.1 mg. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Article

Now That's Massive Weight Gain!

December 15, 2011
So you're thinking you're putting on a little weight during the holidays. Not to worry. Put it all in perspective by thinking about the larvae of the honey bee.
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Immune system of the tiny Drosophila plays a big role in host defense. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Article

We All Have It: Innate Immunity

December 14, 2011
What do flies have in common with us? For one thing, an innate immune system mechanism to detect and fight off invaders that threaten our health. Four scientists, including two Nobel Laureates, will discuss host defense at a UC Davis symposium on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the UC Davis Conference Center.
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Two cellar spiders work together to capture a Tachinid fly in their web. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Article

The End Is Near

December 13, 2011
The parasitic fly (family Tachinidae) never had a chance. It went from floral visitor to spider prey to spider dinner when it made a single solitary mistake: it inadvertently fell into a sticky web.
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A ladybug in the winter. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Article

Winter Wonderland for Insects

December 12, 2011
You've probably already "put a bug" in Santa's ear, telling him what you want. But have you ever thought of putting a bug on your holiday card? If you're an entomologist, absolutely. If you like insects, probably. If you're not a bug lover, no.
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