Bug Squad

Honey bees sometimes get into little battles with one another. Here's a case of a tiff over a Tithonia. Two honey bees wanted the same Mexican sunflower (Tithonia). They each tried to claim the same blossom, bounced one another off, returned, and then battled again.

It's the butterfly we're supposed to hate. That would be the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. Its larvae or cabbageworms are pests of our cole crops, including cabbage, kale and mustard. Pests? You bet.

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 Apiculture, aka PennApic, launched the National Honey Bee Awareness Day in 2009. The U.S.

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 notice: a praying mantis.

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 Caifornia, Davis, and you're invited. It's open to the public.