Bug Bytes
Education Podcasts
As described by Edward O. Wilson — perhaps the best known American biologist, researcher, naturalist and author — invertebrates are "The Little Things That Run the World." And indeed they do, in so many ways. In terms of numbers — while most invertebrates are pretty small, the sheer number of them is astounding. Together, they have more biomass than any other animal on earth.Learn more about the fascinating creatures that run the world, with Bug Bytes from the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
Location:
United States
Description:
As described by Edward O. Wilson — perhaps the best known American biologist, researcher, naturalist and author — invertebrates are "The Little Things That Run the World." And indeed they do, in so many ways. In terms of numbers — while most invertebrates are pretty small, the sheer number of them is astounding. Together, they have more biomass than any other animal on earth.Learn more about the fascinating creatures that run the world, with Bug Bytes from the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
Twitter:
@mtpublicradio
Language:
English
Contact:
4062434203
Email:
podcasts@mtpr.net
Episodes
Bombardier Beetles
10/6/2025
If any beetle was said to have an “explosive personality”, it would have to be the bombardier beetle.
Duration:00:02:18
The Spotted Lantern Fly
9/22/2025
As long as the weather is favorable, you can walk out your door and find some amazing insects to observe almost anytime.
Duration:00:02:14
Titan Beetles
9/15/2025
There are over 400,000 known species of beetles in the world. So when you’re considered one of the largest, that’s really saying something.
Duration:00:02:26
A dragonfly can experience gravitational forces of up to 9-G’s !
7/28/2025
But their speed, agility, and tendency for in-flight dining come with some worrisome risks. But it’s nothing to lose their heads over …or is it?
Duration:00:02:24
Orchid Bees
7/21/2025
A male Orchid Bee can’t rely on his good looks when looking for a mate. For success, he depends on his own brand of home-made perfume.
Duration:00:02:20
Atlas Moth
6/6/2025
In addition to their impressive size, Atlas Moths are known for their extraordinary wing markings, especially at their wingtips. Incredibly, the patterns mimic the profile of a cobra’s head, a way to fool predators into thinking they are anything but an easy meal.
Duration:00:02:14
Acorn Weevil
11/9/2024
Fuzzy, light brown in color, and with a snout looking like Pinocchio went on a fibbing spree, the Acorn Weevil has a comical appearance.
Duration:00:02:14
Bumblebees
11/2/2024
For most insects, getting a meal relies on their foraging or hunting abilities. Bumblebees certainly fall into that category. However, while they might not be able to grow their own food, they’ve found a way to force their food to grow.
Duration:00:02:10
Confusing Petrophila Moth
10/26/2024
The Confusing Petrophila is a moth that instead of laying its eggs on a terrestrial plant, dives into fast moving water (as deep as 15 feet) to lay eggs on algae and aquatic plants for its emerging caterpillars to eat.
Duration:00:02:14
Giant Velvet Mite
10/19/2024
Giant Velvet Mites are arachnids and spend most of their lives underground in the soil or sand, becoming active on the surface after heavy rain …the reason that the monsoon season is a great time of year to find them.
Duration:00:02:17
Golden Wheel Spiders
10/12/2024
Instead of running away, the golden wheel spider has come up with an alternative (and more effective) method to escape the threat of a parasitic wasp that shares its sand dune habitat. It essentially turns itself into a wheel.
Duration:00:02:08
Olive-Shaded Bird-Dropping Moths
10/5/2024
Found all across the United States, the species Ponometia candefacta has evolved to have an unappealing appearance. If you came across it perched on a leaf, you might quickly turn your gaze to something else too.
Duration:00:02:20
Velvet Ants
9/28/2024
While some species are white, creamy, or black in color, most velvet ants are red or orange …a coloration that’s a warning.
Duration:00:02:10
Blue Morpho Butterflies
9/27/2024
Found in tropical rainforests from Mexico to South America, Blue Morpho Butterflies have a wingspan of 5 to 8 inches. In regard to their appearance, they seem to have a split personality.
Duration:00:02:14
Bug Bytes: Woodlice
8/17/2024
Pill bugs. Sow bugs. Doodle bugs. Roly-polies. From around the world, there are at least another dozen nicknames for these small animals that are more scientifically referred to as terrestrial isopods, or woodlice.
Duration:00:02:14
Pack Hunting Spiders
7/8/2023
If you suffer from arachnophobia (the fear of spiders), then hold onto your seat. While the thought of one spider might be terrifying, what about spiders that hunt in packs of hundreds?
Duration:00:02:17
Hissing Cockroach Hitchhikers
7/1/2023
The roaches are messy eaters, leaving bits of foo on their heads. The mites are like a tiny cleaning crew that eats any scraps of food left on the roach’s face.
Duration:00:02:11
Hairstreak Butterflies
6/24/2023
Most Hairstreak Butterflies have hair-like tails looking like a pair of antennae and the colored marks looking like eyes. It appears that the butterfly has two heads!
Duration:00:02:07
Schmidt Pain Index
6/17/2023
Ouch, that really hurts! But in comparison to the sting of other insects, how much does it really hurt?
Duration:00:02:19
Termite Architects
6/10/2023
These six-legged architects regulate the mound’s internal temperature by opening and closing heating and cooling vents they constructed throughout their home, enabling them to adjust air currents to keep their insect skyscraper at the ideal temperature.
Duration:00:02:22