In accordance with UC Davis's current policies, we are temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Please reach us by email.
Sheltering in place because of COVID-19?
No need to be socially distant from insects in your backyard! Learn about the common bugs you would find in your California home and back yard- though most of these are found all over the United States. Click on the image and a fact sheet will open up in a new page. We always welcome new suggestions for information sheets. Contact us with your ideas!
Note: These photos for each information sheet come from many different sources and talented people. Particular images and their sources can be found on each of the information sheets.
Be Like Bohart! Be like Kimsey!
Our museum's first and second director both got their start with insects at a young age. Prof. Richard Bohart and his brother spent time outside collecting butterflies as teenagers in Oakland, CA. Prof. Lynn Kimsey and her sister, as little kids, would look for insects in parks near their home in Richmond, CA. Today UC Davis students can show you how to collect insects and start an insect collection. Watch these YouTube videos: