Bugs Need Heroes
Each episode an artist and an ecologist team-up to discuss small creatures and create a bug-themed character. Check out the character artwork at BugsNeedHeroes.com or https://instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman. Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman. Character artwork by Amanda Niday. Music is ”Ladybug Castle” by Rolemusic.
A Bug's Life Needs Heroes?
Amanda and Kelly share their thoughts about the 1998 Disney/Pixar movie A Bug's Life.
Movie discussion begins at 5:30
Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad and the darling Clementine.
Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman.
Character artwork by Amanda Niday.
99 Episodes But an Itch Ain't One (FLEAS)
Amanda and Dr Kelly Z talk discuss the order Siphonaptera. They talk about all the things fleas are famous for: jumping on cats, giving rats the plague, and singing about California. Tangents include Elvira, circuses, and orcas.
Bug discussion begins at 8:29
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/99-episodes-but-an-itch-aint-one
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Bug Heroes: Joey Santore
This episode we are joined by Joey Santore of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't.
Joey's website: https://www.crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt.com/
Joey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crime_pays_but_botany_doesnt
Joey's YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/crime_pays_but_botany_doesnt
Joey's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt
Joey's Book (pre-order link): https://www.crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt.com/concrete-botany-pre-order
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The Poultry P.I. (CLOWN BEETLES)
Send in the clown beetles! Amanda thinks they are the most beetle you can be! Dr Kelly Z thinks they are cute! This episode is not for the coulrophobic! Tangents include Jason Bateman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and isopods!
Bug discussion begins around 9:30
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/clown-detective
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The Larva Face (IRONCLAD BEETLES)
The uncrushable beetle has arrived in all his bedazzlements. Tangents include America's Next Top Model, Frankenstein, and a lot of wrestling talk. And Amanda picked a name that was already a superhero, so I had to choose a different title.
Bug discussion begins around 9:00
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/larva-face
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Attaantium (LEAFCUTTER ANTS)
Amanda and Dr Kelly Z talk about leaf cutter ants. This is an iconic ant. 'Nuff said!
Bug discussion begins around 6:00
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/attaantium
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad and Desdemona.
...Bug Hero: The Bee Babette (Dr KIT PRENDERGAST)
This episode we are joined by Dr Kit Prendergast to talk about wild bees! How do we protect these important pollinators from the many threats and what exactly are those threats? And what the heck is a lek? We talk about naming an undescribed species after Tom Ellis, costuming, and the challenges of science outreach when discussing honeybees. Unfortunately this is an audio medium so you'll have to go to her socials to see pictures of her dog Zephyr, who has a species named after them now!
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buzzonwildbees/
...
Off This Week
At Emerald City Comic Con. Back again soon!
Bringing Home a Baby Butterfly (LARGE BLUE BUTTERFLY)
There are only seven basic plots: Overcoming the monster, Rags to riches, Voyage/Return, Comedy, Tragedy, Rebirth, and the Quest. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is all seven. Eric Carle himself said its "a book of hope... a way about growing up, how scary it is, but how you can fly into the world with your talents." He is wrong. It is a book of conquest.
Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss the large blue butterfly (Phengaris arion) which is neither large nor especially blue. This species was once considered nearly extinct in Great Britain but has since made...
The SciComm Spectre (PHASMIDS)
Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss a popular family of insects and one in particular that is very popular in zoos and museums, the giant-australian-prickly-walking-stick-insect (Extatosoma tiaratum). Tangents include Indiana Jones, pirates, and the weather.
Bug discussion begins around 9:00
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/scicomm-spectre
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...The Admiral's Insect (TREE LOBSTERS)
This week Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss the Lord Howe Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis). This species was presumed extinct until a small extant population was found and efforts from captive breeding programs in zoos brought them back. It's not quite Jurassic Park but we like it. Tangents include carnivorous deer, ecological niches, and hit musicals.
Bug discussion begins around 12:00
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Bug Hero: Dr Nina Jenkins (BED BUGS)
This episode we are joined by Dr Nina Jenkins of ConidioTec to talk bed bugs and how a fungal treatment called Apprehend she developed can be used to control them. We discuss how a biocontrol agent for aphids, whiteflies, and thrips went through the shark tank and regulatory agencies to your bedroom. Tangents include tarantula people, vampire entomology, and Jurassic Park (always!)
Bug discussion begins around 4:50
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Auntie Spider (SOCIAL AND SPITTING SPIDERS)
We take another dip into our spider-verse with a discussion of spitting spiders and spider sociality. Tangents include parenting and homework advice, hamster cannibalism, Superman, Fionna and Cake. It takes a friendly neighborhood to raise a spider (aka a crawl space).
Bug discussion begins around 7:10
Kevin's Spider Video: Spitting Spider (Scytodes longipes) exhibiting its "spitting" behavior.
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/auntie-spider
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The Rising of the Stink Hero (SHIELD BUGS)
This week Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss the family Pentatomidae, also known as shield bugs but more commonly known as stink bugs. You may have fought them in the video game Grounded. Special attention is given to the Brown Mamorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) for being an agricultural pest and seasonal nuisance in winter. Tangents include children's names, eating bugs, and how Kelly was married by a sea captain.
Bug discussion begins around 10:30
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/rising-of-the-stink-hero
Send us questions and sug...
Spider Rider (MANTIDFLIES)
This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss mantidflies (Mantispidae), which are neither mantids nor flies. Tangents include movies, deviled eggs, and kicking robot dogs. And Kelly eats some ant sauce??? Thanks to Andrew for nominating this bug.
Bug discussion begins around 10:05
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Kevin Weiner: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/spider-rider
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The Good, The Bad, and the Bugly (LONGHORN BEETLES)
This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss long-horn beetles. Tangents include forest creatures, mimicry, and television's Survivor.
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Kevin Weiner: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-good-the-bad-and-the-bugly
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad. ROTUNDA helped a little.
Cr...
Scooty! (HOUSE CENTIPEDES)
This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss house centipedes. They are so fast! And so cute?! We learn a lot about these common domestic bugs, which are definitely not insects. Tangents include isopods, cats, Survivor, and piles of leaves (leave them!)
Bug discussion begins around 5:15
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Kevin Weiner: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/scooty
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...The Devil's Uber (DEVILS COACH HORSE BEETLE)
This episode was originally recorded in Spring 2025, but an issue during recording caused it to be delayed until now. Kelly and Amanda discuss the rove beetle Ocypus olens (and a similar species in New Zealand). Tangents include cats, Bobby's World, and DC Comic's Gentleman Ghost and other Victorian spookyisms.
Bug discussion begins around 10:40
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Derek Conrad: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-devils-uber
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J...
Song of Silk
Amanda leads an episode about the history of silkworms and how they changed the world!
Topic discussion begins around 7:10
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad. The cats did not participate in editing.
Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman.
Character a...
The Biohacker (STREPSIPTERA with Dr Floria Uy)
This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss twisted-wing insects (Strepsiptera) with Dr Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy an assistant professor at the University of Rochester and a Levinson/Shapiro faculty schola . The name is deceptive because only the males have wings and they only have hours to use them to turn wasps into zombies! These rare insects have a strange and maybe even a little disturbing life history as parasitoids. Keep an eye out around goldenrod flowers and you might see the signs of an infected wasp! If you see any, tag #TeamWasp on your socials.
Bug discussion b...
Mudwoman (MUD DAUBERS)
This episode Amanda and Kelly discuss mud daubers. These wasps use mud to build their nests and fill those nests with paralyzed spiders, which is a very sexy behavior. Tangents include dinosaurs, the morals of relative television, Earthworm Jim, and Amanda's crochet tips.
Bug discussion begins around 5:20
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Derek Conrad: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/mudwoman
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Sharpshooter, Agent of H.O.P.P.E.R.B.U.R.N. (LEAFHOPPERS)
Sometimes it's hard to name these characters, but not this week. Amanda and Kelly talk aeroplankton, animal communication, and ask what is a pest really. Tangents include John Singer Sargent, KPop Demon Hunters, and lots of fashion talk this week as Amanda walks us through her character creation process.
Bug discussion begins around 7:40
Kelly's Field Notes and pictures from Kevin Weiner: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/sharpshooter
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Dude Dad Diaper Bug (GIANT WATER BUGS aka TOE-BITERS)
This episode we are joined by Dr Scott Kight once again to talk about Belostomatidae. We initially planned to do this topic around Father's Day for reasons that will become apparent. Tangents include bears, science teachers, and that Coldplay concert.
Bug discussion begins around 4:20
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and...
X-Mantis (MANTIDAE)
This episode contains discussion of sexual cannibalism as we discuss the classic mantis and how they are centaurs. Tangents include eagles, ninjas, and Amanda's art tips.
Bug discussion begins around minute six.
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/x-mantis
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Hosted by Amanda Nid...
Tergal Lad (COCKROACHES with Dr Aaron Rodriques)
This episode Amanda and Dr Kelly are joined by Dr Aaron Rodriques to discuss German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), overcoming fears, and social secretions. Tangents include crows, decapitations, and the nature of Love. We also wanted to share this short video about Aaron and this article that Amanda references during the conversation.
Follow Aaron on instagram (@arr318)!
We did an episode about cockroaches previously with Arthro-Pod. You can see the cockroach field notes at https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-trash-man-and-tergal-lad
You can see all our guest episodes at https://www.bugsneedheroes.c...
The Salty Surfer (WATER STRIDERS)
Kelly and Amanda continue wet bug summer with a discussion of another true bug. These hemipterans have conquered the water surface of ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and even the open ocean. Tangents include pokemon, New Jersey, doctor parties, mantis shrimps and some of our past characters. Also Amanda shares terrible story about almost eating a spider.
Bug discussion begins around 10:15
Kelly's field notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-salty-surfer
Water strider jumping video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsD8wahyRq8
Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com
The Assassins (ASSASSIN BUGS)
This episode we discuss the Reduviidae family, colloquially known as assassin bugs. There are many different kinds and all of them are cunning hunters that turn their prey into Capri Suns and some turn them into fashion. While most are beneficial, there is a deadly exception! Tangents include Naruto ninjas, Elizabeth Wheatley, and Detective Comics Comics' character Ambush Bug.
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-assassins
This Podcast Will Kill You episode about Chagas Disease: https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2021/09/07/episode-81-chagas-disease-the-reverse-triple-discovery/
Send us questions and suggestions! Bugs...
The One-trick Magician (WATER SCAVENGER BEETLE)
This week's episode is about a fairly unremarkable aquatic beetle. Tangents include AI generated images, Chris Angel, Hugh Jackman, and horror novels. Includes spoilers for The Prestige.
VIDEO OF THE ESCAPE: https://youtu.be/_W0UJD_i3Mo
Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/one-trick-magician
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Dr Drosophila (FRUIT FLIES)
Kelly has now become Dr Kelly. Much of the episode is about the process of earning a doctorate. The rest of the episode is devoted to discussion of fruit flies, art history, swords, and friend of the pod, Dr Ped.
Dr Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/dr-drosophila
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Dr Pause
We are taking a break while Kelly mounts her defense.
Bubble Bug(True)^2
Finally, a bug Amanda recognizes! Fortunately, she doesn't know anything about them still so we can have an episode all about spittlebugs (aka froghoppers) and what makes them a true bug. Tangents include the fabric arts, little kid germs, and the grief of aging (as relayed by Bluey).
Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/bubble-bug
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Lil Dudes Insect Academy
This time we are joined by Bradon Coy of Lil Dudes Insect Academy to discuss his programs, eusocial insects (particularly Argentine Ants), and our favorite bug movies.
Lil' Dudes Insect Academy website
Lil Dudes Insect Academy on Youtube
Please check out our reading lists and feel free to recommend other books. We'll make Kelly read them before putting them on the list. The lists are not connected to Amazon or anything so we make no money off of them.
Adult list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/189312.Bugs_Need_H...
The Heckgrammite (DOBSONFLIES)
This week Kelly and Amanda talk about an insect that is a fly in name only. These aquatic insects are know for their large size and fierce appearance. These Tangents include peeing in the woods, gnats, and cats (always).
Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/heckgrammite
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Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)
This episode we are joined by another bug hero: Dr Emily Durkin! We talk about her research looking at tiny mites that ride around on fruit flies. Tangents include mosquitoes, hornworms, and pets --including pet jumping spiders!
Emily Durkin's website is here!
You can follow Emily on Bluesky!
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The Sodanaut (BRINE FLIES)
Check out this page from the Mono Lake Committee to see images discussed in this episode.
This episode Kelly and Amanda discuss a strange family of flies that live in liquids that would kill other animals. There are around 130 genera described in Ephydridae, but we mostly focus on two species endemic to California which live in the La Brea Tar Pits and Mono Lake. Tangents include the musical Wicked, bears, Christmas, Robin Hood, and deaths at National Parks.
Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/sodanaut
...
Bug Hero: Christy Bills (MUSEUM COLLECTIONS)
We talk to Christy Bills of the Natural History Museum of Utah about invertebrate collections, fireflies, and legacies.
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad with some assistance from Chelsey Bawden
Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman.
Character artwork b...
Crypt Keeper and the Embalmer (BURYING BEETLES with THERE WILL BE BUGS)
This time we are joined by Ben Knowlton and Zillah Smith of There Will Be Bugs Podcast to talk about one of their favorite bugs, the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus). These beetles have it all: battles, mites, and an endangered species listing. But most importantly they have each other. Tangents include tattoos, cats (always!), scale insects, coyotes, and what it's like not being an entomologist.
Check out Zillah's artwork on their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zillahsmith/
Check out There Will Be Bugs on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/there_will_be_bugs/
<...Mousy the Hunter (GRASSHOPPER MOUSE)
Kelly and Producer Derek are back from the ESA conference in Pheonix and Kelly shares some stories. Technically this isn't a bug, but the evolutionary arms race between scorpions and their predators has created a truly terrific terror. Tangents include butterflies, the difference between venom and poison, Disney, and vikings.
Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/mousy-the-hunter
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The Moo-derer (COW KILLER)
This is an episode we banked during the summer. Kelly and Amanda discuss velvet ants, which are not actually ants at all. And the Bee-Team lore expands ever onward! Tangents include Zendaya at the Met Gala, Ultraman, and anime villains.
Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-moo-derer
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Bug Heroes: Maria Sibylla Merian
Amanda tells us about the life and work of Dutch entomologist and painter Maria Sibylla Merian.
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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad with assistance from Chelsey Bawden
Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman.
Character artwork by Amanda Niday.
Music is...
