Bugs get a bad rap. Sure, they’re small, sometimes unsettling, and often unwelcome in our homes. But they’re also doing some of the most important jobs in our ecosystems – jobs we rarely think about, let alone appreciate.This week, I’m joined by Dr Leilani Walker – entomologist, arachnid expert, and all-around invertebrate champion. She’s a Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and the Curator of Entomology at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and she’s here to challenge how we think about insects. From their crucial roles in maintaining ecosystems to the very real consequences of their decline, we dig into why bugs matter, what happens if we keep wiping them out, and which ones we should actually be worried about.If you’re someone who reaches for the fly spray at the first sign of movement, this episode might just change your mind.In this episode, she shares: What got her into entomology and why she loves it What her curator role entails The essential roles invertebrates play in our world What we should be paying attention to as insect populations decline Whether the so-called insect apocalypse is something we need to worry about The biggest misconception people have about invertebrates The real problem pests we should be concerned about Whether insects actually have personalitiesKey Quotes:“I think a spider would be just as upset to wake up inside your foot.”“It’s not actually important that everyone is a bug nerd.”More about Dr Leilani WalkerLeilani mentioned the Bug of the Year award. You can find out more and vote here: Bug of the YearYou can get involved with the podcast online:Find our full podcast via the website: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/now-that-s-what-i-call-podcastsFollow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: http://www.incrediballs.com/

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