Bug Blog
Celebrating the Honey Bee
Confusion exists as to whether National Honey Bee Day is Aug. 15 or Aug. 22. The group that formed National Honey Bee Awareness Day says its Aug. 15. Pennsylvania...
A honey bee gathering pollen from a California golden poppy, California's state flower. The honey bee originated from Africa. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A golden honey bee in a California golden poppy. The poppy yields only pollen, not nectar. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Watch Out!
The hummingbirds seemed apprehensive. They'd fly to the feeder, stop in mid-air, and turn back. What was keeping them from the feeder? A closer look revealed what the casual observer wouldn't...
A praying mantis is sprawled out on a hummingbird feeder, as a hummer takes a drink. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The praying mantis moves to another spot. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Silhouette of the praying mantis lying in wait. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
What Do You Know About Neonics?
What do you know about neonicotinoids, aka neonics? An educational opportunity to learn more about them--the truths and the myths--will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the University of...
A honey bee pollinating an apple blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
An Absolutely Amazing Photo!
Rita LeRoy, the self-described "Farm Keeper" at the Loma Vista Farm, Vallejo, takes amazing photos. We recently wrote about the farm, part of the Vallejo City Unified School District, when we...
Praying mantids emerging from an ootheca. (Photo by Rita LeRoy)
Close-up of praying mantids emerging from an ootheca. (Photo by Rita LeRoy)
Find the praying mantis! It's deep among the lavender stems. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of the praying mantis in the lavender patch. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The Hitchhiker
Oleander aphids, those cartoonish-looking yellow insects with black legs and cornicles, are commonly found on oleanders. Hence their name. But they also are partial to milkweeds, the host plant of...
A lady beetle picks up a hitchhiker, an oleander aphid. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
One on the back and one in the mouth. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The oleander aphid maintains its hold on the back of its predator, a lady beetle. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The lady beetle prepares for take-off, with the oleander aphid still clinging to its back. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)