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PODCAST

Bugs Need Heroes

On each episode of Bugs Need Heroes, an ecologist and an illustrator team-up to create a new insect-inspired super hero. The finished characters are posted to our social media pages and at BugsNeedHeroes.com Email us questions about bugs at BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman. Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman. Edited by Derek Conrad. Character artwork by Amanda Niday. ”Ladybug Castle” by Rolemusic is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International

science nature

All Episodes

01:09:12

The Underground Musician (MOLE CRICKETS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/04/22

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 footage of the exploding whale in Florence, Oregon 1970: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CLumsir34 Listen to a recording of the Northern Mole Cricket

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01:14:42

Sweater-Eater Lad (CARPET BEETLES and other DERMESTIDS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/04/08

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 and hot), being too hot, having long hair, and the genre of True Crime. Also in this episode, an unexpected visitor!Kelly's field notes and Amanda's

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01:16:42

Cicadapocalypse with Roger McMullan (PERIODICAL CICADAS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/03/25

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://mcmullanhouse.org/portfolio/cicadapocalypse/ Cicada ID app: https://www.cicadasafari.org/ "Singing Sushi" Recipe:

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01:08:56

Dr. M Grampus (VINEGAROONS aka WHIP SCORPIONS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/03/11

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 in All Bugs Go To Kevin! Huge thanks to Bailey Russell for sharing their knowledge and passion for these bugs! Send us questions and suggestions

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01:14:09

Bearded Bobby the Brigand (ROBBER FLIES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/02/26

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 notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/bearded-bobby-the-brigand Send us questions and suggestions

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01:21:22

The Good Katy (KATYDIDS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/02/12

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. And Kelly gives an update on becoming Dr Kelly. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork:

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01:35:24

Roller Girls (TERRESTRIAL ISOPODS) with Dr Scott Kight

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/01/29

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 wider mysteries of biology. Tangents include the gut microbiome, tiktok, the pet trade, and the video games Death Stranding and Baldur's Gate 3 (no

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26:57

All Bugs Go To Kevin (bonus)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/01/14

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

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01:10:49

All Bugs Go To Kevin

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2024/01/07

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 suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter:

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36:10

Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter (SPIDER...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/12/31

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 the lotion and Amanda discusses her fear of big cats. The manufacturer has said that there is no evidence of their product attracting spiders, but we kind

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01:07:46

Ms Johnson discovers the meaning of CHRISTMAS BEETLES

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/12/18

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.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/christmas-beetles Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram:

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01:03:18

The Doodlebug (ANTLIONS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/12/04

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 from Star Wars. Check out the character art and Kelly's Field Notes here: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-doodlebug We adore the Doodlebug

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01:16:42

Kelly’s Spidersona (WOLF SPIDERS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/11/20

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 songs. Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter:

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01:49:01

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

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/11/06

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 wasn't either. Visual Aid for the parody of Fact or Fiction. Check out /u/FallinDevast's fakemon on reddit. Ellen's links! Her podcast: Just The Zoo

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01:16:15

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

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/10/31

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: 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

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01:11:27

The Harbinger (MOTHMAN)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/10/23

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: Eyeshine chart from a cryptid website The Chapman School Swifts in Portland The Entomological Society of America View the artwork and Kelly's Field

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01:16:48

Lightfast! (SHELLAC, CARMINE, BEESWAX, TYRIAN PURPLE,...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/10/09

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/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BugsNeedHeroes Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bugsneedheroes Join us on Reddit:

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03:15

September Diapause

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/09/10

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! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Facebook:

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01:37:22

The Trash-Man with Arthro-Pod (COCKROACHES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/08/28

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 is also the first episode where the topic of the show makes an appearance. So anyways, I started blatting... And Kelly still hasn't seen Across the

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01:16:20

The Brown Beetle (DUNG BEETLES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/08/14

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, and Kelly learns about a guy on a buffalo (a series of music videos by Jomo & The Possum Posse recut from a 1978 film). And we all learn about

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93 results

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