Insects for Fun!
Episodes
Ensign Wasps! (The Roach Hunters)
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're covering ensign wasps — the tiny black insects you've probably seen pacing along your walls, bobbing that little flag-like abdomen u...
The invisible menace you've definitely met! (No-See-Ums)
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're covering no-see-ums — the tiny biting flies you can't see, can't stop, and can't keep out of your house because they fly straight th...
Nature's most obnoxious vampires! (Horeseflies and Deerflies)
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're diving into the family Tabanidae — better known as horseflies and deerflies, the scissor-mouthed bullies of the insect world. We cov...
Myth Busting Craneflies!
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're tackling one of the most misunderstood insects in the world — the cranefly. You probably know them as daddy longlegs, mosquito hawks...
Dragon Headed Katydids!
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the world of dragon-headed katydids (genus Lesina), canopy-dwelling insects that mimic dried leaves and thorny growths with dramatic, dragon-l...
The Monsters Within! Strepsiptera and Tarsonemid Mites (Internal Hosts of Insects)
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the eerie world of internal insect dwellers in this episode of Insects for Fun. From the twisted-wing Strepsiptera that spend their entire liv...
Insects That Shouldn’t Exist: Life on the Edge of Survival!
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Insects for Fun, we investigate species that survive conditions that seem lethal—freezing solid, near-total dehydration, oxygen s...
Thorn Bugs! Masters of Masquerade
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores thorn bugs (treehoppers), tiny true bugs that mimic plant parts with exaggerated pronotums—spines, horns, and crests—that ma...
Termite Skyscrapers & Ant Metropolises: Nature’s Ultimate Architects
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how passive ventilation, honeycomb geometry, pheromone traffic systems, and other insect strategies inspire human architects and engineers throu...
This fly can eat dragonflies!? (Robberflies)
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Robber flies don’t chase crumbs or nectar. They hunt other insects in midair, inject them with venom, and drain them like juice boxes. If there were...
Huntsman Spiders!
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re heading back into spider territory, specifically, the ones responsible for at least 50% of all “NOPE” reactions in Australian garage...
Bugs in space!
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking about insects (and two spiders) in space: how bugs became the first astronauts, what happens to a spider web when there’s no “...
Plume Moths: Tiny, T-Shaped, and Totally Underrated!
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Insects for Fun, we’re going to explore a tiny creature whose wings are divided like fans, who stands in a perfect T-pose long be...
The weird world of water fleas!
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a listener request from someone over on YouTube, and I'm really glad it came in! Water fleas are incredible and incredibly tiny organisms...
Insect plagues and how they start! (NOT the black plague)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we dive into some plague insects and talk about how regular insects can turn into natural disasters. Patreon -> https://www.patreon...
Hummingbird Moths!
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's topic was chosen from Patreon, and it's a fun one! Learn all about hummingbird moths and how they compare to the real birds. We go into th...
The hidden lives of Honeypot Ants!
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we turn our attention to Honeypot Ants, specifically those in the genera Myrmecocystus and Camponotus. These ants in particular are famous for t...
The old world Swallowtail Butterfly!
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Old World Swallowtail is scientifically known as Papilio machaon. And yes this the butterfly on all those classic field guide covers”. The yello...
These wasps are artists! (Potter Wasps)
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about an insect artist, a wasp with an incredible ability to produce sculptures not too unlike what human potters make. Potter was...
Snail eating beetles! (Carabinae)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever picked up an empty snail shell and wondered who might have been clever enough to crack it? Enter the snail-eating beetle, a specialist p...
Terrariums 101!
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re focusing on all things terrariums. We’re gonna look at the different types, what they’re used for, how they started and how to m...
Indy is that you? (Whip Spiders!)
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re looking at one of the most alien-looking arachnids you’ll ever meet. Despite their fearsome appearance, whip spiders are harmless to people....
Don't kill these flies! (Hoverflies)
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re going to explore one of the most delightful and deceptive groups of insects you’ve definitely seen before—hover flies, also called ...
All's fair(?) in love and war with Field Crickets!
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you step outside on a warm late summer evening, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is that steady background chorus of chirping. It...
The executioner! (wasp)
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at a very specific species of paper wasp known as Polistes carnifex, aka the executioner wasp. On episode 91 of this show we ...
These bugs are silent killers (Assasin Bugs!)
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re diving into the shadowy world of one of nature’s most notorious insect hitmen: the assassin bugs. With a name like that, you know they...
Click Beetles!
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at the lives of click beetles and all the interesting tricks of their trade! We break down how click beetles pull off their acrobat...
Owlflies!
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look into a small and largely unknown group of insects known as Owlflies! They're so unique that people can't quite figure out where they...
Is it a mantis? Wasp? Fly? It's a Mantidfly!
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're taking a deep look into the oddities that make mantidflies so unique. This includes their bizarre life cycle, and of course their str...
Are we screwed? (Screwworms)
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we examine screwworms to learn about their impact on mammals and how they initiated a revolutionary practice of biological control. We also...
Tiny Creatures, BIG legends!
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're doing a folklore-focused episode covering many myths and legends across the world surrounding popular insect groups and an honorable ...
Mighty Mites!
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we shrink down again to look at another tiny arthropod commonly mistaken for bugs. Except this one is very infamous. On this episode of Inse...
Tiny Insect Imposters! (Springtails)
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we dive into the micro world of springtails to learn about what they are, what they do, and why we need them. Patreon -> https://ww...
Freshwater Goblins? (Dobsonflies!)
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about an insect that looks both prehistoric and something straight from the Nether in Minecraft. Dobsonflies might be terrify...
Carnivorous Caterpillars!
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are looking at different noteworthy caterpillars that feed on or off other insects, how they do it, and why! The families of caterpillars men...
Gall Wasps!
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into the weird knobs called galls you sometimes see on tree leaves and branches. The culprit is often a tiny wasp, and in this episo...
Lobster Moths!
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into a very strange species of moth whose caterpillars look like they came right out of a sci-fi monster movie. We're gonna look at ...
Cave Dwelling Insects!
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we switch gears from the hot trailblazers to the cold and dark excavator insects. We are looking at the top four insects that have evolved ...
Insects that live in extreme heat!
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at some insects and one notable arthropod that loves to live where it is unbearably hot. Patreon -> https://www.patre...
Insects that use tools!
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at insect tool use across different orders and families. There are some really surprising things in this episode, and there are ple...
Rainbow Stag Beetles!
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are focusing on one of the most loved and well-known stag beetles around the world. Let's learn about the ecology, behaviors, and even h...
Is it a giant bumblebee or a goddess? (Bombus Dahlbomii)
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're taking a deep dive into one of the world's largest bumble bees and why they're so important for both natural conservation and culture...
Underwater Spiders! (Diving Bell Spider)
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the only species of spider known to spend its entire life cycle under the water! It's an incredible adaptation and we're going to...
New Blue Ants and the Medical Techniques of Florida Carpenter Ants!
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into the discovery of a new ant species from the Himalayas, the medical practices seen with Florida Carpenter Ants, and how t...
Mole Crabs!
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we explore the small, bizarre, and interesting world of mole crabs! They're much more common than you would think, and they're found almost ...
When you've got lemons in NZ, you probably have "lemon tree borers"
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at an infamous citrus pest in New Zealand, and learn about its history, life cycle, and why they must remain in New Zealand for the ...
The European Ground Beetle (Carabus coriaceus)
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week was a listener request to learn more about a lesser-known ground beetle: Carabus coriaceus. This ground beetle might not have a flashy bod o...
The Dubious Dubia Roach!
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at one of the most famous feeder insects for reptile owners! We will learn about the Dubia roaches' life cycle, habits, and w...
Oil Beetles!
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a listener submission requesting to talk about a special kind of beetle known commonly as "Oil Beetles". These beetles are unique in a va...
The longest legged arthropod! (Japanese spider crabs)
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about one of the largest crabs on earth and they happen to boast the longest legs of any arthropod! Japanese spider crabs are...
The silkmoth that squeaks! (Rhodinia fugax)
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the squeaking silkmoth Rhodina fugax, which is a smaller giant silkmoth native to Japan, Korea, and China. In this episode you wi...
The Devil's Idol Mantis! (Devil's Flower Mantis)
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at one of the largest mantid species out there! It's especially large for a flower mimic species, and it's so strange that no ...
Yellow Crazy Ants!
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at one of the most infamous insects for its ability to completely tame and wipe out island ecosystems. The yellow crazy ants! ...
The fastest land insects have a secret that no other beetles can use!
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are back-tracking to look at a recent discovery made with Tiger beetles! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: ...
Interview with entomologist, artist, and author Barrett Klein (New Book: The Insect Epiphony)
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a special interview with renowned entomologist Barrett Klein, the author of "The Insect Epiphony" Barrett has also created many masterwor...
Joro Spiders! (The new spiders on the block)
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into another arthropod from overseas (or not for my Japanese and Hong Kong listeners). Joro spiders are well known in the east, and ...
Spotted Lanternflies! (what we now know)
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about a common sight across the northeast U.S. which has long been a staple in Asia. The spotted lanternflies: Lycorma delica...
Tortoise Beetles!
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're looking at one of the lesser known leaf beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae: Tortoise beetles. They may be small, but they're incredibly b...
Jumping Spiders! (Cutest Spiders?)
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at one of the most famous kinds of spiders! Both for their cuteness but also because they are incredibly smart! Learn why more...
Leaf Miners!
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're exploring the lives of tiny insects that make the interior of leaves their home. These insects can be found across an array of orders ...
Trilobites! The prehistoric rolly pollys of the sea.
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at some of the most famous prehistoric animals: their origins, adaptations, behaviors, and extinction. You can find pictures a...
Carnivorous Plants!
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at plants that actually rely on insects and other small animals for their food. You'll learn about how and why they exist alo...
Patreon Episode: A two day delay beetle, ants that make lions lose their game, and more!
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is a bonus episode from my backlog of bonus Patreon content. You can unlock AD free episodes, bonus episodes and vlogs over at Patreon.com/insec...
Hermit Crabs! (are they actually hermits?)
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at one of my crabs! Summer is finally here and what speaks summer more than a beach trip with these little crustaceans? Today...
Cherry Shrimps! (Neocaridina davidi)
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at a common pet in aquariums called cherry shrimp! These shrimp have become incredibly famous and evolved in color and use si...
Giant Wood Moths! (Heaviest Moth)
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're going to Australia to learn about the heaviest moth on earth scientifically known as Endoxyla cinereus. Patreon -> https://www.pa...
Goliath Beetles!
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're heading to Africa this week to look at one of their most famous beetles: the goliath. We're also going in-depth on how to raise them because the...
Swallowtail Butterflies! (An Overview)
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at what makes swallowtail butterflies so special, and we go through some species highlights to get you started for butterfly watchin...
Paper Wasps!
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at paper wasps which was a listener request from Juliet! Paper wasps are different from regular wasps in a number of ways, li...
Urban Entomology! (Insects in the city and more...)
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at different disciplines within Urban Entomology along with different insects that have adapted to city life! Support Insects for ...
Sea Slaters/Wharf Roaches!
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're taking a look at some interesting isopods that live by the ocean! Learn all about wharf roaches/sea slaters and what makes them special in...
Millipedes!
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are talking all things millipedes including how they're different from centipedes! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4649910...
Centipedes!
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week was a listener request by Ruth wanting to learn more about centipedes. Learn about some of the crazy things centipedes are capable of along ...
These skippers skipped the Butterflies 101 lecture (Skipper Butterflies)
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking into the weird creatures known as Skippers! These insects have been an oddity in the order of Lepidoptera and for good reasons...
It's Tony the Tiger Beetle!? (Tiger Beetles)
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is all about the tiger beetles the incredibly fast and ferocious Coleoptera that can't seem to stay in a taxonomic family. Patreon ->...
Insect culture in Japan and why it's so good!
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at the wonderful world of insects in the far eastern part of the world. Japan has a booming insect culture that's always been ...
We get it, these butterflies are white! (Cabbage White Butterflies)
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are taking a closer look at one of the most easily recognized species of butterflies in the world. The common white or cabbage white butterfl...
Oh yes, Katy did! (Katydids/Bush Crickets)
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at my favorite group of orthoptera, tettigoniidae also known as katydids and bush crickets. Many people get these insects confused f...
Me oh My oh Mayfly! (Mayflies/Shadflies/Fishflies)
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look into the brief but amazing lives of mayflies covering their behaviors, life cycles, cultural importance, and mating rituals. Pa...
Green Lacewings! aka Aphid Lions
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is all about the beautiful and voracious green lacewing! We learn about their life cycle, their habits, and why people love to have them aro...
Horseshoe Crabs! Wait...they aren't actually crabs?
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we break down what it means to be a horseshoe crab and talk about the mechanics behind their blue blood and why it's so important. Patreon...
Patreon Episode: Butterfly memories, the decision making of insects, native plants on insect diversity and more!
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is one of the Patreon exclusive episodes talking about discoveries and broader topics in the world of Entomology. There's much more where this c...
Harvestmen/Daddy Long Legs!
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at Harvestmen! The strange spider-like but not quite spider arthropods that roam the earth. We'll go over some fun names, myths, leg...
Isopods as Pets 101!
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the booming and lucrative business of isopods as pets! Let's dive into the different options, and prices for designer isopods, an...
These cats could send you to the hospital! (Puss Caterpillars)
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at one of America's most venomous caterpillars and learn about some of their unique traits along with what happens if you get stung....
Harlequin Beetles! (Acrocinus longimanus)
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are taking a look at some crazy looking insects known as Harlequin beetles. This beetle is so unique that it doesn't share any relatives unde...
Compost Companions! (top 3 critters that love eating your leftovers)
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the top 3 most used and well-known composter eaters, and how you can raise them for your own garden and compost needs. Pa...
Nature's Grave Diggers! (Sexton Beetles)
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at burying beetles in the subfamily Nicrophorinae aka Sexton Beetles, and what separates them from other beetles. Learn about their ...
Giraffe Weevils!
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at two different species of weevils known as Giraffe weevils, but these two species aren't closely related at all. We learn why both...
Insects that don’t lay eggs!? (live birthing insects and how they do it)
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into some unique insects that give birth to their babies instead of laying eggs, and how they do it! Patreon -> https://www...
Prehistoric Insects! When they appeared, what they were like and why they’re gone..
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are going back in time to look at some noteworthy ancient insects, how they were different from today, and why they're now gone. Discor...
Christmas Beetles!
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about the Australian Christmas beetles! What they are, what makes them special, and how their festive looks protect them from...
Bed Bugs 101!
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into Bed Bugs, their history, how they become a problem, and what you can do. Also! The Discord is now officially open :) D...
Tarantula Hawks!
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are showcasing large parasitoid wasps that target tarantulas for their young, and why you might not want to bother one. Patreon -> ...
These violins can walk? (Violin Beetles)
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're taking a look at Violin Beetles which are a really unique and underrated insect found exclusively in the tropics of Southeast Asia. ...
Sea Monkeys! What the heck are they anyway?
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the origin story of Sea Monkeys along with interesting facts about Brine Shrimp. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=...
This one’s a stinker! (Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs)
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about the invasive and widely spread brown marmorated stink bug; why there are so many of them and why you don't want them ar...
Are insects Crustaceans? Are Lobsters just Roaches of the sea?
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are literally diving into the topic of crustaceans and how they're related to insects, but that's not all. Let's also take a closer look ...
Insect Horror Stories: 2
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is another bonus episode covering spooky tales from people on the internet as well as the news! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u...
The most misunderstood centipede! (House centipede)
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into one of the most feared centipedes and it is purely based on its looks! Another reason why we can't judge a book by its c...