The Bees Have It

Aug 13, 2009

The bees have it.

That would be honey bees and native bees.

The UC Davis Department of Entomology has just launched its new bee biology Web site.

It's a place to learn about research, outreach, publications and upcoming courses; read the news stories, and follow the progress of the Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, the half-acre bee friendly garden to be planted next to the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility.

The people who make it happen--the honey bee team and the native bee team--share a passion well-known in the bee world.

The Web site also includes a kids' zone, links, photo gallery, and FAQs (how to remove stings and swarms, for example).

It wouldn't be a Web site without showcasing the work of Harry Hyde Laidlaw Jr., the Houston-born bee geneticist (1907-2003) whose name is legendary with bee genetics. Known as "the father of honey bee genetics," he served on the UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty from 1947 to 1974, when he "offically" retired.

Officially he did, but unofficially he didn't.

The emeritus professor continued his research and outreach programs, publishing his last scientific paper at age 87 and his last book at 90. He died at age 96 at his home in Davis.

Harry Hyde Laidlaw Jr. left a legacy of global influence, prominence and utmost dedication. The people he trained continue to work at the Laidlaw facility--and at other universities--carrying on his legacy while creating their own.

By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Author - Communications specialist

Attached Images:

SIGN in front of the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at UC Davis honors the legendary geneticist. The ceramic sculpture at the site (sign and walls) is the work of Davis artist Donna Billick and entomologist-artist Diane Ullman. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Signature Sign

GENETICIST Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. (1907-2003) tends his hives. He served as a member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty from 1947 to 1974. He published his last scientific paper at age 87 and his last book at 90.

Working the Bees