Listener, did you ask Ben what his favorite insect is? Well, that's probably how you found yourself here. I hope you enjoy shovels, digging, and hard-working Hymenoptera.

In this episode we are talking about more insect-plant relationships. Galls are mysterious structures, but how do they get there? What can you do about them? We will cover all this and possibly more - but no promises.

Why was the hungry, hungry caterpillar so hungry? We aren't sure, but it comes up again in this episode about metamorphosis! What insects undergo metamorphosis? How do they do they go through this process? Why would they even want to? Listen in to learn more.

Do you ever wonder when insects started eating plants? Do you wonder why insects only eat certain plants? Are you curious if Ben is ever going to mail the letter sitting in his backpack? This might be the episode for you, for we explore these important questions and more! Some corrections for the show: Genetic recombination isn’t purely due to chance—it’s a tightly regulated process guided by enzymes and hotspots in the genome, though the specific DNA segments exchanged can appear random, adding genetic diversity. Also, Ben meant to reference the superfamily Ichneumonoidea and many Hymenoptera are predators and scavengers along with being parasitoids, gall makers, and pollinators.

Get ready! In this episode, we dive into how DNA, morphology, and life history are used to define organisms. We'll explore the history of naming organisms and discuss how those rules continue to evolve.

Sneaking into this episode is the family Reduviidae, or the Assassin Bugs. These specialized predators can be found in your backyard, or even in your home. Don't worry though, only a few of them are out for blood.

In this episode we are discussing an iconic beetle from the cold war era! The Colorado potato beetle was not only a devastating pest (and still is), but it also caused further tensions between the U.S. and the Eastern Bloc.

Oh no! Did those zucchini in your garden become massive? Well, it's time to bake some zucchini bread and learn about some common pests of cucurbits. It's the dead of summer but we are learning about some cool insects and the diseases they vector.

Time to put on your deerstalker cap or derby hat, we are finally going to put this mystery to rest. Find out who the killer was in this episode of TWBB. CAUTION: This episode contains content regarding reproductive loss, stillborns, and abortions in animals.

We are going back to 2001 to investigate a mysterious illness affecting mares in central Kentucky and the surrounding area. Join us as we discuss the theories and players in this monumental investigation. CAUTION: This episode contains content regarding reproductive loss, stillborns, and abortions in animals.

Get your safari hats, bug nets, and pinning supplies because we are talking about how to collect and pin insects. If you want more information on how to pin insects, view our Instagram page @there_will_be_bugs. Looking for professional entomology equipment? Check out https://ecologysupplies.com/

Who is ready to learn about insects with serious medical implications? Blister beetles (Spanish Fly) are a unique family of insects with a dirty little secret. We will discuss the biology of these beetles and talk about how humans have been ingesting them throughout history for the wrong reasons.... CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains explicit content that may not be suitable for all listeners Check out our references here: www.zillahsmith.com/therewillbebugs For more bug content, visit the There Will Be Bugs Instagram: www.instagram.com/there_will_be_bugs/

Welcome! During this episode we will be discussing the double brood emergence occurring in the eastern United States. Stay tuned for the latest information from the mandibles of your favorite insect podcast.

In this episode we explore how insects detect environmental stimuli. Insects move through the world with many interesting ways to take in their surroundings. Throw in those ear buds and put on your reading glasses because we are exploring insect senses.

Hello Everyone! In this episode we get our heart racing! The hemolymph is flowing, and the immune system is fighting back against pathogens. It's another heart pounding episode of There Will Be Bugs. A quick correction to the episode: Poikilotherm and ectotherm (cold-blooded) are technically not the same. Poikilotherm means an organism whose body temperature varies greatly. An organism that is ectothermic is usually a poikilotherm, but not poikilotherms are ectotherms.

Welcome back to episode 16 where we talk about how insects deal with winter. This episode is more definition heavy than other episodes so sit back with your favorite warm drink and get ready to take notes. If you are interested in receiving a podcast sticker, please subscribe and send me an email at bdkn223@uky.edu with your mailing address.

In this episode Ben will talking about the history of the Cooperative Extension in the United States. If you need help with locating your local extension office, check out the link below. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/about-extension/united-states-extension-offices.aspx

Today we discuss cockroaches - more specifically cockroach pests. Ben coins the cockroach challenge and Zillah talks about crushing cockroaches. If you are someone who is dealing with cockroaches, visit the links below. https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef614 https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.html https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-241/E-241.html

In this episode we lump limnology, macroinvertebrates, invasive species, dendrology, and much more into one large episode. If you are interested in learning more about the hemlock woolly adelgid, visit the link below. https://blogs.cornell.edu/nyshemlockinitiative/

In this episode we are taking a deep dive into the life of burying beetles. Burying beetles are important decomposers and are classic tavern brawlers. However, they can have a soft side as parents. If you are interested in learning more about SUNY Cobleskill's work with the American Burying Beetle, check out the link below! https://web.cobleskill.edu/media/2021/02/22/suny-cobleskill-to-aid-burying-beetle/