Best BugsNeedHeroes Podcasts (2024)

1
Flonase Technicolor (FIREFLIES) 1:19:48

6d ago1:19:48

1:19:48

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 names, all of them deceptive. They are not flies, they do not produce heat or lightning, and they are not worms, but they are very buggy. Tangents include the book/film adaptation Where'd You Go Bernadett…

1
Painbow (MANTIS SHRIMP w/ Just The Zoo of Us) 1:30:22

21d ago1:30:22

1:30:22

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 shrimps? We discuss how they may or may not be turning into crabs and what they might think of sunsets. Tangents include Godzilla, weddings, pet store stories, internet memes, Sailor Moon and anime trans…

1
BONUS: Don't freak out about Joro Spiders 15:26

1M ago15:26

15:26

Remain calm. Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bugsneedheroes Join us on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BugsNeedHeroes Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad with assistance from Chelse…

1
The Dash (TIGER BEETLES) 1:02:49

1M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

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 The Menu. Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-dash Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram…

1
Marquis de Beetle (BLISTER BEETLES) 1:10:05

2M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Content Warning for the episode: discussion of adult topics, including sexual assault and BDSM. This week Amanda and Kelly discuss a weird group of beetles and its unusual life history and its role in history as a supposed aphrodisiac. Although we mostly focus on the Oil Beetles (Meloe genus), we also talk about some other blister beetles including…

1
Pepper and the Pollution Solution (PEPPERED MOTHS) 1:08:48

2M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

While this moth itself isn't very impressive, it has had an interesting story coinciding with the industrial revolution and the theory of evolution. Kelly discusses genetics and industrial melanism. Amanda discusses dinosaurs and dancing. We recorded video for this episode and a portion of it is on youtube if you want to see pictures of the moths: …

1
Delay 0:13

2M ago0:13

0:13

By BugsNeedHeroes

1
The Underground Musician (MOLE CRICKETS) 1:09:12

3M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Another cute bug this week! Mole crickets live in the soil and build musical instruments to augment their melodies. Tangents include Disney movies, exploding whales, marching band energy. And Kelly still hasn't seen A Bug's Life. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/underground-musician The KATU News foo…

1
Sweater-Eater Lad (CARPET BEETLES and other DERMESTIDS) 1:14:42

3M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

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 in taxidermy and forensic entomology. We contrast the amazing eating abilities of carpet beetles with some of the misfits of DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes. Tangents in this episode dogs (both good…

1
Cicadapocalypse with Roger McMullan (PERIODICAL CICADAS) 1:16:42

4M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

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 cicada. We talk about predator satiation, brooding, and the ever-present desire to scream. Tangents include road trips, lantern flies, eating bugs. Mentioned in the episode: Roger's graphic novel: https:…

1
Dr. M Grampus (VINEGAROONS aka WHIP SCORPIONS) 1:08:56

4M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

This episode we discuss an adventurous arachnid with a powerful presence and a tender heart. Tangents include cookies, the films of George Lucas, and the parietal eye of some almost-lizards. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/dr-m-grampus Arachnid poaching was mentioned in this podcast. Watch them dig …

1
Bearded Bobby the Brigand (ROBBER FLIES) 1:14:09

5M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

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 beards, mobile pupae, impressive disguises. Tangents include Michael Fassbender, Percy Jackson, and other bugs that we love. Can you we've been playing a lot of Baldur's Gate 3 lately? Kelly's field n…

1
The Good Katy (KATYDIDS) 1:21:22

5M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in katydids, which is surprisingly gross. This is our Valentine's Day episode. This week we try to discuss katydids (Family: Tettigoniidae) but we get awfully off track. Tangents include discounted chocolate, PalWorld vs Pokemon, the musical CATS, and many other things that we had to cut for time…

1
Roller Girls (TERRESTRIAL ISOPODS) with Dr Scott Kight 1:35:24

6M ago1:35:24

1:35:24

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in isopods and other animals. This week we are joined by Dr Scott Kight of Montclair State University to discuss terrestrial isopods. They are known by many common names and come in two basic shapes: runners and rollers. Dr Kight has used them to investigate questions about parental care and wide…

1
All Bugs Go To Kevin (bonus) 26:57

6M ago26:57

26:57

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

1
All Bugs Go To Kevin 1:10:49

6M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

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, holding spiders, the importance of insects and integrated pest management. Check out the All Bugs Go To Kevin facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/allbugsgotokevin Send us questions and sugges…

1
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter (SPIDER LOTION?) 36:10

7M ago36:10

36:10

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 Sephora. We talk about the precedent of perfumes and other scents being attractive to animals whether intentionally or not and how likely or unlikely that is for wolf spiders specifically. Kelly reviews …

1
Ms Johnson discovers the meaning of CHRISTMAS BEETLES 1:07:46

7M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

This episode we decided to three topics: christmas beetles, two species of hairstreak butterflies which feed on mistletoe, and where bugs go during the winter. Tangents include Hallmark movies, Norse mythology, and yule goats. And assistant producer Desdemona interrupts to have some cat yogurt. Field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneed…

1
The Doodlebug (ANTLIONS) 1:03:18

8M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

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 is nothing like either ants or lions. This puny predator puts its prey in pits! Tangents include pigeons, anime, and Jurassic Park vs The Hunger Games. Somehow, we never even mentioned the Sarlacc Pit …

1
Kelly’s Spidersona (WOLF SPIDERS) 1:16:42

8M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

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 Kelly's favorite spider family: Lycosidae. Amanda designs a costume for if Kelly was bitten by a radioactive wolf spider. Tangents include yelling cats, fearful husbands, and the cursed knowledge of bird…

1
Bug Type Need Heroes (POKEMON with Just The Zoo of Us) 1:49:01

9M ago1:49:01

1:49:01

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 Pokémon. We discuss the hits, the misses, and the weird biology of these little guys and how they compare to the real world insect inspirations. Don't worry if you aren't familiar with the games, Kelly wa…

1
ENCORE: Bats Need Heroes (DC’s BATMAN Special) 1:16:15

9M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

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 according to Bat Conservation International and the Bat Species of the World: A taxonomic and geographic database. In this episode, Kelly and Amanda invite Producer Derek on to talk about his heroes: th…

1
The Harbinger (MOTHMAN) 1:11:27

9M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

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 the mysterious appearance of the Homer Simpson of Cryptids in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Tangents include swooping, Richard Gere, and legitimate chili strategies. Also Mentioned in the Episode: Eyes…

1
Lightfast! (SHELLAC, CARMINE, BEESWAX, TYRIAN PURPLE, IRON GALL INK) 1:16:48

9M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

We're back! Since Kelly is still working on becoming Doctor Kelly, Amanda hosts this episode all about bug and bug adjacent derivatives. Tangents include art history (OBVIOUSLY), air travel, and children being scared in grocery stores. Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsne…

1
September Diapause 3:15

10M ago3:15

3:15

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 Don't Howl: Actual Animal Super Powers," an earlier version of which eventually lead to this podcast. (Producer Derek will *attempt* to record it for our youtube page) Send us questions and suggestions! Bu…

1
The Trash-Man with Arthro-Pod (COCKROACHES) 1:37:22

11M ago1:37:22

1:37:22

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 range of tangents including our The Blue Beetle (the movie is good!), sexy Pokémon, how to best poison each other, "murder hornets", Danny Devito, the Elon Musk/Zuckerberg fight, and loose bugs. This i…

1
The Brown Beetle (DUNG BEETLES) 1:16:20

11M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

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 know about this romantic beetle. Tangents include whether Kelly has seen Across the Spider-verse yet (no), Julie of the Wolves, DC's Blue Beetle (no spoilers), Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, …

1
Throw Dirt at Bees with Dr Mathias Nordvig (NORDIC MYTHOLOGY) 1:20:17

12M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

This episode we interview Dr. Mathias Nordvig, Professor or Pre-Christian mythologies and Scandinavian folklore at the University of Colorado, Boulder. We chat about the differences between Norse and Nordic, bees in Nordic mythology, and why there is a general paucity of insect lore in Nordic mythology as a whole. Tangents include Loki, Amanda step…

1
Team Jacobaea (CINNABAR MOTH) 1:06:45

1y ago1:06:45

1:06:45

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). Finally, a rival for Isabella Tigermoth. And this moth isn't alone in her fight against the noxious Stinking Willie; her fellow biocontrol agents include the tansy ragwort flea beetle (Longitarsus jacobaeae…

1
The Bouncing Brute (SPOTTED LANTERNFLY) 1:02:03

1y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In this episode we talk about Kelly's cat's favorite bug: the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Kelly rants about honeybees. Amanda teaches Kelly the term "caked up." Tangents include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believing in faeries, crocuses, and trying to remember Adrien Brody's name. Plus a bonus taste test that makes Amanda uncomfortable. The…

1
The Harvestman as portrayed by Pedro Pascal (DADDY LONG LEGS) 1:02:58

1y ago1:02:58

1:02:58

In this episode, we discuss the arachnid order Opiliones, also known as Harvestmen or Daddy longlegs. Easily confused with spiders, these detritivores have long had an urban legend about their mythical bite. But they are harmless and exhibit some impressive parental care. Also in this episode, Amanda talks about a car accident. Tangents include Blu…

1
Bug Hero: Kaitlyn O’Donnell (WINTER MOTHS, BIOCONTROL, CATTAIL MOSQUITOES) 1:08:31

1y ago1:08:31

1:08:31

This episode with interview entomologist Kaitlyn O'Donnell to talk about a range of topics, but particularly her work with the invasive winter moth (Operophtera brumata) and her work at Norfolk County Mosquito Control. Tangents include the film Jupiter Ascending, bald eagles, and Amanda opens a can of worms called the biological species concept. Pr…

1
Across the Spider-People (MILES MORALES, JESSICA DREW, MIGUEL O’HARA) 1:19:55

1y ago1:19:55

1:19:55

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 the film (Miles Morales, Jessica Drew, Gwen Stacy, and Miguel O'Hara), what we love about these characters, and to make wild speculation about the plot based on some of the comics we have read. We previ…

1
The Super Mom (EARWIGS) 1:11:18

1y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

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 episode discusses the soil beasts who you may find in your bathroom and their outstanding parental care. Tangents in this episode include the moral capacity for evil in dolphins, garter snakes, and the…

1
The Basic Bug (SILVERFISH) 1:24:19

1y ago1:24:19

1:24:19

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 podcast. If you've ever wondered if bugs are tasting you with their feet, this episode is for you. Tangents in this episode include eating ants, marine biology, and fiddler crabs in The Little Mermaid…

1
The Goth Moth (DEATH’S-HEAD HAWKMOTH) 1:06:21

1+ y ago1:06:21

1:06:21

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 does she have with the bees, poisonous plants, and bad omens? Tangents in this episode include Ikea trips, targeted advertisements, and spoilers for American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Episode notes and artwor…

1
The Killer Queen (CICADA KILLER) 55:19

1+ y ago55:19

55:19

Introducing the final member of our "Bee Team". Fastidious and precise! Guaranteed to blow your mind! Although they look intimidating, Cicada Killers (Sphecius spp) have been described as "the gentle giants of the wasp world." These gregarious wasps have a surprisingly survival strategy. Also in this episode, Amanda forgets to turn off her discord …

1
The Cottagecore Queen (MASON BEES) 1:08:45

1+ y ago1:08:45

1:08:45

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 describes the natural history of these powerful pollinators and Amanda quickly becomes infatuated. These belly-flopping bees are lemon-scented friends and they are as beautiful as the orchards they visi…

1
The Last of Ants (CORDYCEPS) 1:03:35

1+ y ago1:03:35

1:03:35

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 infectious fungi, but we focus on the cordyceps/ophiocordyceps species which infect terrestrial arthropods. We talk about some of the common zombie tropes, how fungi partner with trees, and how ants avoi…

1
The Anti-hero (PAVEMENT ANTS) 49:15

1+ y ago49:15

49:15

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 behaviors before the CORDYCEPS episode. In this episode Amanda and Kelly discuss PAVEMENT ANTS (Tetramorium caespitum). You may have see them, their sand volcanos, or their wars. Kelly's field notes and Amand…

1
Part Two: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP THING, Marvel’s GROOT) 59:01

1+ y ago59:01

59:01

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 defenses and regeneration, fungal relationships, gardening, and house plants! We tried to cover everything but if we didn't, we'd love another excuse to invite Ped back. Ped's Lab Page: https://pedram34…

1
Part One: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP THING, Marvel’s GROOT) 48:22

1+ y ago48:22

48:22

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 got off topic. We talk about invasive species, pollination, art history, and our favorite plant super heroes. This conversation was great and will continue into a second episode next week. Ped's Lab …

1
Explodey Joe (BOMBARDIER BEETLES) 1:08:42

1+ y ago1:08:42

1:08:42

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 species of these beetles with some surprising life histories and a shared appreciation of boiling enemies alive with fake acid. Also Amanda and Kelly talk about weddings and dragons. Kelly's field notes an…

1
The Fuzzy Friend (BUMBLEBEES) 55:36

1+ y ago55:36

55:36

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 discussed. And it wouldn't be a Bugs Need Heroes episode without sneaking a little bit of art history discussion at the end! Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork for this character: https://www.bu…

1
A Boxing Day Delay (BUGJOKES) 3:04

1+ y ago3:04

3:04

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 with some apologetic bug jokes to tide you over until (hopefully) next week! She does not apologize for their badness. Happy Holidays!By BugsNeedHeroes

1
The Bean Bosses (CHOCOLATE MIDGE) 58:52

1+ y ago58:52

58:52

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 week on the pod. Topics range from super hero movies to royal journals to extinct birds! It's a very wild and sexy episode of Bugs Need Heroes. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork for this charac…

1
Holiday Special (Marvel’s MANTIS/Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special) 1:13:13

1+ y ago1:13:13

1:13:13

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 Klementieff, compares to actual an actual mantis and whatever else wanders through our heads in this special holiday episode. Recommended Links! Kevin Conroy's "Finding Batman" comic from DC Pride 202…

1
Ms. Buzz (YELLOWJACKETS) 1:08:13

1+ y ago1:08:13

1:08:13

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. Amanda confronts her prejudices after being stung. Kelly has never been stung. Producer Derek has been stung over twenty times. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork for this character: https://www.…

1
Bats Need Heroes (DC’s BATMAN Special) 1:15:55

1+ y ago1:15:55

1:15:55

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 bat? Is Robin really the perfect partner for the caped crusader? Do bats really love a dark night? And most importantly, what is the cutest bat? Some references on the episode page: https://www.bugsneed…

1
The Burning Bee (JAPANESE HONEY BEES) 1:03:25

2y ago1:03:25

1:03:25

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 predators. Kelly discusses the Better Common Names Project, bee balls, and jello. Amanda discusses the times she was nearly killed by toothpaste, the judgement of a toddler, and the "murder hornets" …

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