Gard W. Otis

Gard is an entomologist who is best known for his activities with honey bees. After graduating from Duke University (B.S., Zoology, 1973), he attended the University of Kansas where, under the supervision of Orley "Chip" Taylor, he studied the ecology of rain forest butterflies and population dynamics of Africanized honey bees (PhD, Ecology, 1980). In 1981, they collaborated on studies of the mating behavior of honey bees in Venezuela.
Gard joined the University of Guelph in 1982. During his 36-years as a professor, he conducted both applied projects (e.g., breeding tracheal mite-resistant bees) and basic research (ecology and behavior) of honey bees. Since 1989, he has contributed extensively to our understanding of the diversity of honey bee species in Asia. He led a successful beekeeping development project (2006-2013) that has benefitted thousands of rural Vietnamese farmers. His most exciting research, on the interactions between honey bees and attacking hornets, has been published following his official retirement.
Gard lives with his wife and son near Guelph, Ontario. He continues to publish both research and general interest articles on honey bees and butterflies.