Song Ci (1186-1249) of China, considered the world's first forensic entomologist, knew how to solve a crime when a villager in a rice field was found dead, slashed with a sickle. He told the villagers to line up in town square with their sickles. When they did, he immediately fingered the killer.

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Molecular geneticist-physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, working in her lab. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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Congratulations, Joanna Chiu, UC Davis Outstanding Professor and Mentor

June 7th, 2023

Let's congratulate molecular geneticist-physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Professor Chiu is the newly announced faculty recipient of the 2023 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research.

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A yellow-faced Bombus vosnesenskii, prepares to sip nectar from an English lavender. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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The Return of Bombus

June 6th, 2023

The English lavender drew her in. And there she was, a yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, foraging in our family's pollinator garden in Vacaville. She buzzed from blossom to blossom, ignoring the honey bees, syrphid flies and...the photographer. Ms.

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The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. (Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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Taylor Kelly's Exit Seminar: Targeting Yellow Fever Mosquito and Pyrethroid Resistance

June 5th, 2023

Remember back in 2013 when scientists verified the reintroduction of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, in California? Infected mosquitoes can transmit such viruses as yellow fever, dengue and Zika. Alarm bells went off.

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As a third grader, Jill Oberski is stretched out on the floor reading her "Audubon Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America." Another insect publication is within reach.

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Myrmecologist Jill Oberski: A Dream Come True

June 2nd, 2023

Picture this. Jill Oberski is in the third grade, stretched out on the classroom floor reading her "Audubon Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America." Another insect publication is within reach. Fast forward to today: she's Dr. Jill Oberski.

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