Insects for Fun!
Episodes
Insect Horror Stories: 1
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special episode to celebrate Halloween! Within the episode is a collection of scary and creepy tales written by the users who experienced th...
Why we hate Cockroaches and why it’s justified!
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at some cockroaches and go into some facts about why they actually aren't great to have around. AND of course, a little myth-busting...
The North American moon moth! (Actias Luna)
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at a very special giant silkmoth that comes from North America (Luna moths). The species is incredibly iconic, and there are many di...
Secrets of the sand trap (Antlions)
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a listener request for Antlions! We look into how sand traps are made and what unique tactics antlions use to keep their prey from gettin...
Natural born divers! (Predacious Diving Beetles)
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at Predacious diving beetles which are some of the largest aquatic beetles in the world and uncover their methods for staying underw...
I can’t believe they’re not wasps! (sesiidae clearwing moths)
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I wanted to showcase an incredible family of moths that are known to mimic a variety of bees and wasps depending on the genera and species. ...
These beetles can blast boiling acid! (Bombardier beetles)
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at a group of beetles that are well known for their abilities to produce and shoot boiling acid from their abdomen! Support the...
How do insects smell, taste and hear? Do they feel pain? These questions and more!
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week instead of focusing on a specific insect I wanted to talk about some Physiology, that is how the body works. Not all of it of course, but ju...
Parasitoids! The rulers of Biological Control
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is focused on the insects that inspired Ridley Scott's "Alien"! Parasitoids have some of the craziest interactions with other insects, and t...
These wolves are no bark and little bite! (Wolf Spiders)
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a listener-request episode covering wolf spiders! We will look at the habits, special traits, behaviors, and some cool sounds of these in...
I can’t believe they aren’t gummies! (Jewel Caterpillars)
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I'm showcasing a very rare and special family of caterpillars. Jewel Caterpillars belong to the family Dalceridae, and they have some really...
These Ants are NOT what they seem... (Velvet Ants)
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at a really cool wasp that for the most part resembles an ant! These insects are called Velvet Ants and are considered one of the mo...
This is not a Scorpion or a Fly! (Scorpionflies!)
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at one of the strangest flying insects out there and their behaviors. There are many kinds of scorpionflies and they are all pretty ...
Don’t Kill these Killer Wasps! (Cicada Killers)
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into a wasp that is often mistaken for an Asian Giant hornet, but the fact is that these poor creatures are everything an Asi...
It’s all about what you do with the doodoo! (Dung Beetles)
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look into all the dirty details on Dung beetles including how they saved Australia! Support the show -> patreon.com/user?u=464991...
The Majestic Morpho Dragonfly! (Zenithoptera lanei)
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are deep diving into a very special species of dragonfly known as the morpho dragonfly or blue-winged dragonfly which has some amazing ab...
Do they actually go in your ears!? (Earwigs)
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about Earwigs! We'll cover everything you need to know from life cycle to behaviors and urban legends including how they got ...
Insects in Medicine! (Entomotherapy)
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at the origins and fascinating uses of insects in Medicine from an ethnic and modern approach. There are some incredibly powe...
The American born Chinese Mantis! (Tenodera sinensis)
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the Chinese mantis, how they got to America, what they do in the wild, and facts on how to care for one yourself! Support the s...
The wild world of Velvet Worms!
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode we look at the animal that bridges the gap between worms and insects. Velvet worms are incredibly unique for a number of reason...
This stick is walking without me! (Australian Spiny Stick Insect)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into one of the most popular stick insects around the globe! The Australian spiny stick insect happens to make a great pet an...
Toe Biters! The beasty bugs of our fresh waters (Giant Water Bugs)
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are diving into giant water bug territory! Literally and figuratively... this bug has many names like toe biter, water scorpion, water co...
Everythin’s Bettah with a Wētā! (Wētās)
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Wētās are the largest crickets on earth and are all native to New Zealand! In fact, most of them are endemic which means they can't be found anywher...
What a peanut head… wait… that’s actually the name? (Fulgora laternaria)
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Peanut Headed Lanternfly is a crazy cool bug with a lot of legends. It also does not match its name at all aside from being peanut headed. Learn a...
Something is in Deez Nuts! (Acorn Weevils)
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a special listener request for Acorn Weevils! The cute little beetles that use acorns as their safe spaces during development. The focus ...
That’s not Bob... that builder is a... Bee!? (Carpenter Bees)
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at a unique solitary bee that exclusively makes its homes in wood! Carpenter bees are some of the largest bees on the planet,...
Ahoy Halobates! (Oceanic Water Skaters)
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking into the only bugs to make their home on the open ocean! How do they do it? Some things we know for sure, while others still ...
The strange relationship between Gossamer Butterflies and Ants
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode we are diving into the topic of "Myrmecopholi" in Butterflies. Specifically talking about the Lycaenid butterflies and how they...
These moles can fly and swim!? (Mole Crickets)
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're digging into Mole Crickets! Their behaviors, tunnels, songs, and some cool cultural significance. Support the show :) -> https://...
The Stars That Fly Among Us! (Fireflies with Guest Speaker: Sarah Lower)
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking about Fireflies with Sarah Lower who is an associate professor at Bucknell University! Firefly Watch! - https://www.massaud...
Special Collaboration with Just Bugs!
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are reflecting on and talking about 6 different insects in pop culture with the two hosts from Just Bugs podcast! Support the show :) -...
That’s not an owl... right? (Owl Butterflies)
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at Owl Butterflies, their behaviors, and why they got the name! IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://w...
The Hickory Horned Devil! (Citheronia regalis)
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are learning about a special giant silkmoth belonging to the subfamily of royal moths! These ones don't produce silken cocoons which are ...
Locusts vs Grasshoppers and a swarm the size of Japan!?
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode, we look at grasshoppers and locusts and why they're the same but also not! We also go into some crazy history about a locust s...
The fungus that inspired HBO’s and Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us”
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at the incredible fungus, Orphiocorydeps unilateralis, that started an amazing horror series. The fungus is commonly referred...
Not your average Bull! (Bull Ants)
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at the most deadly ant in the world! And of course, it comes from Australia! Learn about what makes these ants so deadly and ...
The Blue Winged Helicopter! (Damselfly)
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at the largest damselfly on the planet, its habitat, strange food preference, and interesting behaviors! IG@ https://www....
Wait... insects can make webs too!? (Webspinners)
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we take a look at some really unique tiny insects with the ability to make their ecosystems out of webs using their feet! IG@ insects4f...
The Caterpillar that eats Garbage!? (Greater Wax Worms)
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about the greater wax worm which is a caterpillar known by many in the reptile community as a feeder worm, but! This caterpillar als...
Dragonfly or Demonfly?
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we focus on dragonflies and the various names, myths, and unique traits that surround them! IG@ insects4fun Email: Insectsfordummies@gm...
The first domesticated insect and sericulture! (The Silkmoth: Bombyx mori)
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are diving into the world's first genuinely domesticated insect the silkmoth Bombyx mori! This moth started the entire silk trade and is ...
Hercules! The myth. The legend. The beetle? (Hercules Beetle)
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at one of the world's strongest insects and go into some really interesting facts about their physical appearance, and what to do if...
The oldest living insects! (Silverfish & Firebrats)
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode! This week we are talking about the oldest extant insects and what you can do if you find them in your home. Emai...
The Blue Morpho isn’t actually Blue!? (Blue Morpho Butterflies)
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we take a closer look at blue morpho butterflies, what makes their color, and why it's advantageous for them to look the way they do. E...
Something ACTUALLY lives there!? (Antarctic Midge)
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am finally bringing to light a small special insect that is native to Antarctica! Midges are actually a number of different small fly fami...
Human Invaders! (Parasites)
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week is a special listener request episode! We take a look at how parasites are classified and some of the different kinds of parasites we have a...
The ants with no home! (Army Ants)
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we take a look at what makes army ants so unique compared to other species, and whether or not we should run far away when they are on the m...
Lesser Known Jewels! (Jewel Bugs)
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into a group of bugs that are vastly overlooked. Jewel bugs are beautiful and they're also quite caring! IG@Insects4fun Email...
Fighting Crime with Insects! (Forensic Entomology)
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we'll be taking a look at what exactly forensic entomology is, how it is used, and what kinds of insects you can expect to see...
The Truth behind the Murder Hornet! (Northern Giant Hornets)
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at the Asian Giant Hornet previously known as the murder hornet and now formally known as the Northern Giant Hornet. This wasp gets ...
These bugs are spitting on my lawn! (Spittle Bugs)
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we look at what's actually going on when you see white foam in your plants and I'll give you a quick spoiler. It's not spit! ...
Who’s that butterfly!? (Question Mark Butterflies)
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about a really cool butterfly that can make it through winter unharmed! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 I...
The bug that can’t stop campaigning! (Boxelders)
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we talk about a bug that is notorious for being everywhere as the weather starts cooling down. The Boxelder is also known as t...
Interview with The Bug Chicks! (Special Episode)
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I get to talk with the Bug Chicks, well-known educators who use insects to teach! We talk about education, their experiences i...
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Caterpillar!? (Woolly Bears)
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode, we take a look at Woolly Bears! Learn about why they're associated with the weather, what made them famous, and why we see so ...
The Falling Monarch (Monarch Butterflies)
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode of Insects for Dummies we talk about what makes a Monarch Butterfly so special because it's not about the way it looks! We also...
All About The Ladies! (Ladybugs)
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we highlight some interesting facts about our well-known ladybug, including its name's origins and what makes them so special!...
The Late Bloomer Bug! (Cicadas!)
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we talk about Cicadas! What do they do for so long in the ground? What happens in a "year of the cicada" and what do they symb...
The Butterfly of Death!
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are starting to get into the fall season on this week's episode by covering the Black Witch! This insect has varying legends and lore depending on ...
Is it a bug or an insect?
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of Insects for Fun, we look at why not all Insects are bugs along with the origin of the word Bug! Listener Emails @Insect...
Do we REALLY need bees?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Insects for Fun (Previously Insects for Dummies), we take a look at what separates bees from other pollinators! We also look at som...
Is it Preying or Praying? Mantises!
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk about Mantises and their family Mantidae! Learn about their behaviors, history, lore, and more! IG:https://www.inst...
Insects are our friends AND food!?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Insects for Fun we are talking about the history and benefits of eating insects and why it's much more popular in the tropics. Special than...