Bug Squad

Just call it a case of identity theft at the Bohart Museum of Entomology. But wait! Before you ask "Is everything okay?" and suggest contacting law enforcement immediately, not to worry. This is a different case of identity theft. Insects! Camouflaged insects! Take the walking stick.

When you see the blow fly (below), what do you think? Well, that depends on who you are and what you do--or maybe your earliest negative/positive insect recollections.

The public, says entomologist Kris Godfrey, needs to become more aware of the threat of invasive species. And, she adds, we need to educate people and organizations about the incoming pests and pests that are already here.

Honey bee guru Eric Mussen talks a lot about the declining honey bee population. After all, he's served as the Extension apiculturist with the UC Davis Department of Entomology since 1976.

If you've ever watched honey bees work the blossoms, you'll probably see them packing pollen in their pollen baskets and cleaning their tongue as they buzz from flower to flower. Pollen is protein, and nectar, carbohydrates.