Backyard Orchard News
Degree Day Units Are a Bit Less Than Last Year
During 2014 and 2015, abnormally warm weather generated a rapid accumulation of degree day units, well above the 30-year average, that allowed an additional generation of California red scale to complete their development. In addition, the excessively warm winters we have had during those years allowed California red scale, and other pests, to continue to develop during the winter in the San Joaquin Valley. This is quite unusual. While the 2016 season was well above the 30-year average through August, the accumulated degree day units at the end of the season were less than the last two years. Hopefully we will have a cold (but not freezing) winter that will prevent California red scale populations from continuing their development and cause mortality to the younger instars.
Monarch Caterpillars--in November?
What a Thanksgiving surprise! No, the stuffed turkey didn't slip out of the oven and fall on the...
A November monarch caterpillar found on tropical milkweed in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of a November monarch caterpillar. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The two monarch caterpillars discovered on Thanksgiving Day on separate tropical milkweed plants in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Count Your Blessings--and Thank the Bees!
It's Thanksgiving. Count your blessings--and thank the bees. If your table includes pumpkin,...
Honey bee heading toward pomegranate blossom on an 87-year-old tree. Pomegranates are among the 100 crops--from almonds to watermelon--pollinated by bees. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Please Eat a Stink Bug!
Oh, if we could just engage in some menu planning and preparation! How often have you thought of...
A praying mantis at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, UC Davis, dines on a stink bug. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
UC Davis entomology graduate student Charlotte Herbert, who is seeking her doctorate, takes a selfie with a praying mantis eating a stink bug. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Oh, the Bugs They Saw at the Bohart!
They learned about sawtoothed grain beetles, carpet beetles and other pantry pests. They learned...
UC Davis entomology graduate student Charlotte Herbert helps Norah Nguyen of Vacavile, who will be three in January, with an arts and crafts activity. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Newly elected Winters City Council member Jesse Loren high-fives a walking stick, perched on the hand of her husband, Brian Bellamy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Madagascar hissing cockroaches, aka "hissers," occupy hands. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A Chaco golden knee tarantula, fondly nicknamed "Coco McFluffin," drew lots of interest. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bohart Museum associate Greg Kareofelas (center), shows viceroy butterflies to newly elected Winters City Council member Jesse Loren and her husband, Brian Bellamy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)