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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

01:20:17

Throw Dirt at Bees with Dr Mathias Nordvig (NORDIC...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/07/31

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 steps on a nail, Snorri Sturluson, Marvel's Thor and other animal lore. Dr. Nordvig has several books out about Nordic mythology (including a kid's book!) and

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01:06:45

Team Jacobaea (CINNABAR MOTH)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/07/16

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) and the ragwort seed head fly (Botanophila seneciella). This moth and her team are basically Superman, but for cows. Tangents include Animorphs,

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01:02:03

The Bouncing Brute (SPOTTED LANTERNFLY)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/07/03

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 spotted lanternfly smashing app is called Squishr. The taste test was of "DoomBloom" from The Philadelphia Bee Company Field notes and artwork on

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01:02:58

The Harvestman as portrayed by Pedro Pascal (DADDY...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/06/18

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 Bluey, Henry Cavill Sherlock, and a lot of talk about things dads enjoy (farts). Kelly mentioned a video from Vine that showed the clumped up daddies

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01:08:31

Bug Hero: Kaitlyn O’Donnell (WINTER MOTHS,...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/06/05

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. Producer Derek highly recommends the documentaries Cane Toads: An Unnatural History and Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence but really any film by Mark Lewis

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01:19:55

Across the Spider-People (MILES MORALES, JESSICA...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/05/22

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 previously published an episode about Peter Parker in September 2022 discussing how that Spider-Man's powers compare to real life spiders. Tangents include

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01:11:18

The Super Mom (EARWIGS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/05/08

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 films of Don Bluth (both real and imagined). Field notes and artwork on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-super-mom Send us

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01:24:19

The Basic Bug (SILVERFISH)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/04/24

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. Field notes and artwork on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-basic-bug Send us questions and suggestions

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01:06:21

The Goth Moth (DEATH’S-HEAD HAWKMOTH)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/04/10

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 artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-goth-moth Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram:

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55:19

The Killer Queen (CICADA KILLER)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/03/26

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 notifications and learns about insect wings. Show notes and hero: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-killer-queen Send us questions and

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01:08:45

The Cottagecore Queen (MASON BEES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/03/13

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 visit. And if you want these beneficial bugs in your backyard, you can set up a house for Osmia and other insects to use. Also in this episode, Amanda tries

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01:03:35

The Last of Ants (CORDYCEPS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/02/26

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 avoid their own apocalyptic fungal infections. Show notes and hero: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-last-of-ants Send us questions and

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49:15

The Anti-hero (PAVEMENT ANTS)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/02/26

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 Amanda's artwork for this character: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-anti-hero See the heroes on Instagram:

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59:01

Part Two: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/02/19

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.wixsite.com/pedramdaneshgar Ped's Monmouth University page: https://www.monmouth.edu/directory/profiles/pedram-daneshgar/ Ped's Instagram:

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48:22

Part One: Plants Need Bugs (DC’s POISON IVY/SWAMP...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/02/12

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 Page: https://pedram34.wixsite.com/pedramdaneshgar Ped's Monmouth University page: https://www.monmouth.edu/directory/profiles/pedram-daneshgar/ Ped's

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01:08:42

Explodey Joe (BOMBARDIER BEETLES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/01/30

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 and Amanda's artwork for this character: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/explodey-joe Send us questions and suggestions

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55:36

The Fuzzy Friend (BUMBLEBEES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2023/01/17

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.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-fuzzy-friend Send us questions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram:

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03:04

A Boxing Day Delay (BUGJOKES)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2022/12/26

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!

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58:52

The Bean Bosses (CHOCOLATE MIDGE)

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2022/12/12

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 character: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-bean-bosses Send us questions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram:

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01:13:13

Holiday Special (Marvel’s MANTIS/Guardians of the...

Bugs Need Heroes ·

2022/11/26

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 2022 Annual #1: https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/dc-pride-2022-1/38309538-e865-422a-a732-79cfdc205440/ "Why 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'

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