Gard's Bio

Dr. Gard Otis is an entomologist whose career has focused on the ecology, behavior and evolution of honeybees. During his career, he has studied swarming biology of Africanized honeybees, bred bees resistant to tracheal mites, and coordinated a highly successful beekeeper training project in Vietnam for which he received the Order of Vietnam. He has a keen and ongoing interest in the many species of Asian honeybees.  

As a professor at the University of Guelph, Gard taught more than 7000 students about the fascinating lives of honey bees and other insects. Now retired, he remains involved in research and writing projects related to honeybees, hornets, and butterflies. He currently collaborates with researchers in India and Bhutan on the ecology and behavior of giant honeybees and in Vietnam on responses of Apis cerana to attacking hornets.

Gard lives with his wife, son, and French bulldog near Guelph, Ontario.