Insects for Fun!

Insects for Fun!

An informational podcast covering all things insect and arthropod, hosted by a master in entomology! Join me every Tuesday to learn something new from notable species to broad topics and lore! You can support the show and get extra episodes here: patreon.com/user?u=46499107 Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com

Episodes

May 29, 2025 6 mins

This week we dive into the weird knobs called galls you sometimes see on tree leaves and branches. The culprit is often a tiny wasp, and in this episode, you'll learn how and why. We'll also explore some unusual uses for these protein-packed, unusual plant growths. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: In...

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This week we dive into a very strange species of moth whose caterpillars look like they came right out of a sci-fi monster movie. We're gonna look at their behaviors, adaptations, and of course, how to raise them. 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://disco...

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May 12, 2025 7 mins

This week, we switch gears from the hot trailblazers to the cold and dark excavator insects. We are looking at the top four insects that have evolved to live in cave systems where many other animals could never live. 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://di...

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This week we are looking at some insects and one notable arthropod that loves to live where it is unbearably hot. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 

 

Music by masaki tomiyama

 

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April 21, 2025 10 mins

This week, we look at insect tool use across different orders and families. There are some really surprising things in this episode, and there are plenty of mentions of insects that have yet to make an appearance on the podcast.

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord ->...

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April 8, 2025 8 mins

This week, we are focusing on one of the most loved and well-known stag beetles around the world. Let's learn about the ecology, behaviors, and even how to raise the Rainbow Stag Beetle, scientifically known as Phalacrognathus muelleri. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Di...

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This week, we're taking a deep dive into one of the world's largest bumble bees and why they're so important for both natural conservation and culture. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 

 

Music artist: Sudare Ngdegeocello

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This week we look at the only species of spider known to spend its entire life cycle under the water! It's an incredible adaptation and we're going to look into how they do it, and what separates them from other more traditional spiders. 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Dis...

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This week we are looking into the discovery of a new ant species from the Himalayas, the medical practices seen with Florida Carpenter Ants, and how they differ from others that can use antimicrobial properties. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://disco...

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February 25, 2025 6 mins

This week we explore the small, bizarre, and interesting world of mole crabs! They're much more common than you would think, and they're found almost anywhere near a beach. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

 

Music by Takada Fu

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This week we look at an infamous citrus pest in New Zealand, and learn about its history, life cycle, and why they must remain in New Zealand for the sake of ecosystems elsewhere. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

 

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This week was a listener request to learn more about a lesser-known ground beetle: Carabus coriaceus. This ground beetle might not have a flashy bod or the ability to spray formic acid like some others, but it still has a unique life cycle and plays an important role in our ecosystems! 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000...

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January 21, 2025 7 mins

This week we are looking at one of the most famous feeder insects for reptile owners! We will learn about the Dubia roaches' life cycle, habits, and what makes them so great as feeder insects.

Here is a guide to breeding and starting your own roach farm: https://dubiaroachdepot.com/guidance/breeding-dubia-roaches

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.faceboo...

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January 7, 2025 8 mins

This week is a listener submission requesting to talk about a special kind of beetle known commonly as "Oil Beetles". These beetles are unique in a variety of ways and you will learn all about why in this episode. 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://dis...

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This week we are talking about one of the largest crabs on earth and they happen to boast the longest legs of any arthropod! Japanese spider crabs are not only interesting from a physical perspective but also have a lot of unique and fun cultural history and folklore! 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: I...

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This week we look at the squeaking silkmoth Rhodina fugax, which is a smaller giant silkmoth native to Japan, Korea, and China. In this episode you will learn about their life cycle, why they Squeek, how they do it, and some interesting traditions and names found in Japan. 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Ema...

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This week we're looking at one of the largest mantid species out there! It's especially large for a flower mimic species, and it's so strange that no other species is closely related. 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Music by Yuhe...

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November 20, 2024 9 mins

This week, we look at one of the most infamous insects for its ability to completely tame and wipe out island ecosystems. The yellow crazy ants! 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Music by Yuhei Miura

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This week we are back-tracking to look at a recent discovery made with Tiger beetles! 

 

Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107

IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825

Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com 

Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Music by Yuhei Miura

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This week is a special interview with renowned entomologist Barrett Klein, the author of "The Insect Epiphony" Barrett has also created many masterworks in the world of entomology both as passion projects and for museums such as the Natural History Museum! 

The full conversation and video can be found over at Patreon: 

https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=46499107

You can learn more about Barrett, what he does and his works over at the...

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