Bug Squad

It's a sure sign of spring when we see "the teddy bear bee." Native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp, emeritus professor of entomology at the University of California, Davis, calls the male Valley carpenter bee (Xylocopa varipuncta) "the teddy bear bee." An apt description, to be sure.

It's truly amazing how the study of insect biology can lead to research that may benefit humankind. Take entomologist Bruce Hammock, distinguished professor of entomology at the University of California, Davis.

Ever watched an in-flight honey bee packing her load of pollen? A foraging bee carries her ball-like load of pollen on her hind legs and continually moistens it with a little nectar. The size and shape changes as she works.

It was a gorgeous day to be out in an almond orchard. Staff research associate Billy Synk of the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, University of California, Davis was out tending the research bees earlier placed in two Dixon almond orchards.

Eager to experience a one-on-one training and mentorship that you'd normally find only in a small liberal arts college? Want to develop skills that will make your application to graduate school, medical school or veterinary school really stand out from the crowd?