Bugs Need Heroes

The Rising of the Stink Hero (SHIELD BUGS)

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss the family Pentatomidae, also known as shield bugs but more commonly known as stink bugs. You may have fought ...

Spider Rider (MANTIDFLIES)

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss mantidflies (Mantispidae), which are neither mantids nor flies. Tangents include movies, deviled eggs, and ...

The Good, The Bad, and the Bugly (LONGHORN BEETLES)

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss long-horn beetles. Tangents include forest creatures, mimicry, and television's Survivor.   Kelly's Field Notes...

Scooty! (HOUSE CENTIPEDES)

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss house centipedes. They are so fast! And so cute?! We learn a lot about these common domestic bugs, which ar...

The Devil's Uber (DEVILS COACH HORSE BEETLE)

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was originally recorded in Spring 2025, but an issue during recording caused it to be delayed until now. Kelly and Amanda discuss the rov...

Song of Silk

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda leads an episode about the history of silkworms and how they changed the world! Topic discussion begins around 7:10   Send us questions and s...

The Biohacker (STREPSIPTERA with Dr Floria Uy)

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss twisted-wing insects (Strepsiptera) with Dr Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy an assistant professor at the University of Ro...

Mudwoman (MUD DAUBERS)

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss mud daubers. These wasps use mud to build their nests and fill those nests with paralyzed spiders, which is a ve...

Sharpshooter, Agent of H.O.P.P.E.R.B.U.R.N. (LEAFHOPPERS)

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes it's hard to name these characters, but not this week. Amanda and Kelly talk aeroplankton, animal communication, and ask what is a pest real...

Dude Dad Diaper Bug (GIANT WATER BUGS aka TOE-BITERS)

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we are joined by Dr Scott Kight once again to talk about Belostomatidae. We initially planned to do this topic around Father's Day for re...

X-Mantis (MANTIDAE)

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains discussion of sexual cannibalism as we discuss the classic mantis and how they are centaurs. Tangents include eagles, ninjas, an...

Tergal Lad (COCKROACHES with Dr Aaron Rodriques)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly are joined by Dr Aaron Rodriques to discuss German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), overcoming fears, and social se...

The Salty Surfer (WATER STRIDERS)

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly and Amanda continue wet bug summer with a discussion of another true bug. These hemipterans have conquered the water surface of ponds, streams, ...

The Assassins (ASSASSIN BUGS)

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we discuss the Reduviidae family, colloquially known as assassin bugs. There are many different kinds and all of them are cunning hunters...

The One-trick Magician (WATER SCAVENGER BEETLE)

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is about a fairly unremarkable aquatic beetle. Tangents include AI generated images, Chris Angel, Hugh Jackman, and horror novels....

Dr Drosophila (FRUIT FLIES)

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly has now become Dr Kelly. Much of the episode is about the process of earning a doctorate. The rest of the episode is devoted to discussion of fr...

Dr Pause

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are taking a break while Kelly mounts her defense.

Bubble Bug(True)

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, a bug Amanda recognizes! Fortunately, she doesn't know anything about them still so we can have an episode all about spittlebugs (aka froghop...

Lil Dudes Insect Academy

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This time we are joined by Bradon Coy of Lil Dudes Insect Academy to discuss his programs, eusocial insects (particularly Argentine Ants), and our fav...

The Heckgrammite (DOBSONFLIES)

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Kelly and Amanda talk about an insect that is a fly in name only. These aquatic insects are know for their large size and fierce appearance....

Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we are joined by another bug hero: Dr Emily Durkin! We talk about her research looking at tiny mites that ride around on fruit flies. Tan...

The Sodanaut (BRINE FLIES)

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Check out this page from the Mono Lake Committee to see images discussed in this episode.   This episode Kelly and Amanda discuss a strange family of...

Bug Hero: Christy Bills (MUSEUM COLLECTIONS)

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Christy Bills of the Natural History Museum of Utah about invertebrate collections, fireflies, and legacies.   Send us questions and sugge...

Crypt Keeper and the Embalmer (BURYING BEETLES with THERE WILL BE BUGS)

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This time we are joined by Ben Knowlton and Zillah Smith of There Will Be Bugs Podcast to talk about one of their favorite bugs, the American Burying ...

Mousy the Hunter (GRASSHOPPER MOUSE)

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly and Producer Derek are back from the ESA conference in Pheonix and Kelly shares some stories. Technically this isn't a bug, but the evolutionary...

The Moo-derer (COW KILLER)

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is an episode we banked during the summer. Kelly and Amanda discuss velvet ants, which are not actually ants at all. And the Bee-Team lore expand...

Bug Heroes: Maria Sibylla Merian

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda tells us about the life and work of Dutch entomologist and painter Maria Sibylla Merian.    Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes...

Cats Need Heroes

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This time we are joined by our friend Dr Mike Glynn to talk about cats for our Halloween episode. Lots of stories of our dear pets both current and pa...

My Neighbor Velvet Worm

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are back from hiatus and you can really tell with this episode. Kelly and Amanda get all the wiggles out with this very wiggly bug. This episode is...

Summer Diapause

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We'll be back in the fall!

Gregarious Kevin (BROWN RECLUSE)

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined once again by Kevin Wiener of All Bugs Go To Kevin. Kevin has a deep love for brown recluses and hopes to dispel some of the f...

The Model Organism (HORNWORMS aka HAWKMOTHS)

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's NATIONAL MOTH WEEK! We are celebrating by discussing a really hefty bug. A real chonker. There are over 1400 species of Sphingidae moths, and the...

Flonase Technicolor (FIREFLIES)

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda tries (and fails) to resist singing the hit single from 2009 by Owl City as we talk about the Lampyridae family of beetles. They have many name...

Painbow (MANTIS SHRIMP w/ Just The Zoo of Us)

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's a rambunctious episode as Just the Zoo of Us Podcast host Ellen Weatherford joins us to settle a debate: are shrimps bugs? Are mantis shrimps shr...

BONUS: Don't freak out about Joro Spiders

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Remain calm.   Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us o...

The Dash (TIGER BEETLES)

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Kelly and Amanda talk about an extremely buggy bug. Is this best bug? Maybe! Tangents include why chess sucks, scrub jays, and spoilers for ...

Marquis de Beetle (BLISTER BEETLES)

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning for the episode: discussion of adult topics, including sexual assault and BDSM. This week Amanda and Kelly discuss a weird group of be...

Pepper and the Pollution Solution (PEPPERED MOTHS)

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While this moth itself isn't very impressive, it has had an interesting story coinciding with the industrial revolution and the theory of evolution. K...

Delay

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Underground Musician (MOLE CRICKETS)

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Another cute bug this week! Mole crickets live in the soil and build musical instruments to augment their melodies. Tangents include Disney movies, ex...

Sweater-Eater Lad (CARPET BEETLES and other DERMESTIDS)

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, we talk about the spring-time sensation: carpet beetles! We also discuss how their cousins in the Dermestidae family are used ...

Cicadapocalypse with Roger McMullan (PERIODICAL CICADAS)

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Amanda and Kelly are joined by Roger McMullan to talk about periodical Cicadas and his graphic novel about them. Amanda has never seen a cic...

Dr. M Grampus (VINEGAROONS aka WHIP SCORPIONS)

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we discuss an adventurous arachnid with a powerful presence and a tender heart. Tangents include cookies, the films of George Lucas, and ...

Bearded Bobby the Brigand (ROBBER FLIES)

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda learns about a bug didn't know that she kinda knew when we discuss Robber Flies (family Asilidae). We talk about their protective ...

The Good Katy (KATYDIDS)

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in katydids, which is surprisingly gross.  This is our Valentine's Day episode. This week we tr...

Roller Girls (TERRESTRIAL ISOPODS) with Dr Scott Kight

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in isopods and other animals. This week we are joined by Dr Scott Kight of Montclair State Univ...

All Bugs Go To Kevin (bonus)

14 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talked to Kevin for quite a while so here's a bit more with him!

All Bugs Go To Kevin

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk to Kevin Wiener about the facebook group he created that has attracted 160k would-be bug enthusiasts. We talk about overcoming fear,...

Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter (SPIDER LOTION?)

31 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly and Amanda catch up after the holidays to talk about the viral meme circulating around the Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter sold at Se...

Ms Johnson discovers the meaning of CHRISTMAS BEETLES

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we decided to three topics: christmas beetles, two species of hairstreak butterflies which feed on mistletoe, and where bugs go during th...

The Doodlebug (ANTLIONS)

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda says she's never heard of this bug, but I know she has because it was on an episode of Kratt's Creatures that we watched as kids. However, it i...

Kelly’s Spidersona (WOLF SPIDERS)

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly finally saw Across The Spider-verse! There are some mild spoilers in her review and the discussion that follows. In this episode, we discuss Kel...

Bug Type Need Heroes (POKEMON with Just The Zoo of Us)

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We invited Ellen Weatherford of Just The Zoo of Us podcast on to talk about Pokémon. As of generation 9, there are at least 92 different bug-type Pok...

ENCORE: Bats Need Heroes (DC’s BATMAN Special)

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special encore for Halloween. This episode was originally released in October 2022. A few new bat species have been recognized since then ac...

The Harbinger (MOTHMAN)

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For a spooky treat/trick, this episode we give a recap of Kelly's visit to Portland and discuss some of our favorite cryptids with special focus on th...

Lightfast! (SHELLAC, CARMINE, BEESWAX, TYRIAN PURPLE, IRON GALL INK)

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! Since Kelly is still working on becoming Doctor Kelly, Amanda hosts this episode all about bug and bug adjacent derivatives. Tangents incl...

September Diapause

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We will be back in October.   If you are attending Rose City Comic Con on September 23, please say hello. We will presenting the panel "Wolverines Do...

The Trash-Man with Arthro-Pod (COCKROACHES)

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by the entomologists at Arthro-Pod to talk about cockroaches! This is our biggest episode yet and conversation covers a wide r...

The Brown Beetle (DUNG BEETLES)

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about poop in this episode. A lot. You know this bug from the nature documentaries, but with seven thousand species, there's a lot you don't k...

Throw Dirt at Bees with Dr Mathias Nordvig (NORDIC MYTHOLOGY)

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we interview Dr. Mathias Nordvig, Professor or Pre-Christian mythologies and Scandinavian folklore at the University of Colorado, Boulder...

Team Jacobaea (CINNABAR MOTH)

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's just about time for National Moth Week!   In this episode we talk about Producer Derek's favorite moth: the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). Fin...

The Bouncing Brute (SPOTTED LANTERNFLY)

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about Kelly's cat's favorite bug: the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Kelly rants about honeybees. Amanda teaches Kel...

The Harvestman as portrayed by Pedro Pascal (DADDY LONG LEGS)

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the arachnid order Opiliones, also known as Harvestmen or Daddy longlegs.  Easily confused with spiders, these detritivor...

Bug Hero: Kaitlyn O’Donnell (WINTER MOTHS, BIOCONTROL, CATTAIL MOSQUITOES)

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode with interview entomologist Kaitlyn O'Donnell to talk about a range of topics, but particularly her work with the invasive winter moth (O...

Across the Spider-People (MILES MORALES, JESSICA DREW, MIGUEL O’HARA)

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We recorded this episode before the release of the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse to discuss the heroes we expect to see in th...

The Super Mom (EARWIGS)

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The vocab word of the day is cerci. Amanda proves she has been paying attention in this episode about perhaps the buggiest bug who ever bugged. This e...

The Basic Bug (SILVERFISH)

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to learn some entomology jargon! This episode is all about what a bug is. We discuss taxonomy, anatomy, how we are defining a "bug" in this ...

The Goth Moth (DEATH’S-HEAD HAWKMOTH)

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The star of the cover of the VHS box art of the 1991 film Silence of the Lambs is here. This aesthetic insect has a dark secret! What relationship doe...

The Killer Queen (CICADA KILLER)

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Introducing the final member of our "Bee Team". Fastidious and precise! Guaranteed to blow your mind! Although they look intimidating, Cicada Killers ...

The Cottagecore Queen (MASON BEES)

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is time! We recorded this episode back in January and saved it until it was time. It is time! It is time to put out your mason bee houses! Kelly de...

The Last of Ants (CORDYCEPS)

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly and Amanda start this episode talking about oral surgery but pivot to something slightly less scary: The Last of Us. There are many types of inf...

The Anti-hero (PAVEMENT ANTS)

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is an encore that you probably already heard before! Producer Derek accidently published this a second time, but its a good recap on ant behavior...

Part Two: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP THING, Marvel’s GROOT)

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Dr. Pedram Daneshgar! We continue last week's discussion on plant super powers and their pollinators. We veer into plant de...

Part One: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP THING, Marvel’s GROOT)

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Dr. Pedram Daneshgar! With the Bee Team almost completed, we wanted to talk to a botanist about pollination, but we quickly...

Explodey Joe (BOMBARDIER BEETLES)

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Bombardier Beetle is a bug we've wanted to cover since the beginning and now that Derek's basement isn't flooded, we can! There are over 500 speci...

The Fuzzy Friend (BUMBLEBEES)

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We continue to assemble our Bee Team with a gentle giant. We discuss their similarities and differences in life history to the other two bees we have ...

A Boxing Day Delay (BUGJOKES)

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The cave we keep Producer Derek in unfortunately flooded and he hasn't been able to polish off this week's episode! But no worries, Amanda is here wit...

The Bean Bosses (CHOCOLATE MIDGE)

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chocolate midges (Genus: Forcipomyia) are tiny flies that do one big thing for us. In size? Miniscule. In impact? Monstrous! It's a very distractible ...

Holiday Special (Marvel’s MANTIS/Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special)

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We decided to watch and discuss the new release on Disney+, the 2022 Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. We talk about how Mantis, played by Pom ...

Ms. Buzz (YELLOWJACKETS)

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bust out the picnic baskets and settle in for some social wasp discussion. The newest member of the Bee Team is fast, thorough, and sharp as a tack. A...

Bats Need Heroes (DC’s BATMAN Special)

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kelly and Amanda invite Producer Derek on to talk about his heroes: the bats! What if Bruce Wayne had been bitten by a radioactive ba...

The Burning Bee (JAPANESE HONEY BEES)

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on a subspecies of the Eastern Honey Bee, Apis cerana japonica, which has some unique and impressive behaviors to thwart would-be...

The Big Boys (RHINOCEROS BEETLE/STAG BEETLE)

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning for this episode: There is a story about the loss of a pet and brief mention of suicide from minutes 9-14.   In this episode, Amanda ...

A Friendly Neighborhood Hero (Marvel’s SPIDER-MAN)

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Respect the hyphen! This episode is all about Peter Parker and how his powers compare to actual spiders. Is Spider-man amazing or simply spectacular? ...

Kelly’s Nemesis (MOSQUITOES)

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is she good? She is bad? This episode features the focal species of Kelly's PhD research and Amanda learns some startling facts about what mosquitoes ...

Mini Episode: Bonus Bits

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

CONTENT WARNING: Amanda tells a gross story about eating spoiled food in this collection of cut bits. Send us questions! [email protected] Joi...

Listener Questions Mini Episode: Black Widow, John Cena, Antz vs Bugs Life

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some cut discussion from previous episodes about Marvel's Black Widow, John Cena and wrestling, and whether Antz or A Bugs Life is more accurate.  S...

The Dashing Duo (DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES)

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda and Kelly discuss the order Odonata which includes dragonflies and damselflies with a fantasy twist. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork f...

The Viridian Villain (EMERALD ASH BORER)

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The first villain for the show is an invasive wood beetle that threatens to decimate forests. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork for this charac...

The Hungry, Hairy Heroes (WOOLLY BEAR/ISABELLA TIGER MOTH)

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss WOOLLY BEAR CATERPILLARS (Pyrrharctia isabella) and their adult moth form.  Kelly's field notes and Amanda's ar...

The Yellow-Blooded Hero (LADYBUGS)

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss LADYBUGS. What do they do? Why are they red? Are any of them blue? All of these questions and more are answered!...

Welcome to Bugs Need Heroes!

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is just the teaser! We hope you'll listen to us soon!   Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter: http...