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Artwork for Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

The Xerces Society
Pollination
Invertebrate Conservation
Monarch Butterflies
Pollinator Conservation
Pesticides
Community Science
Mosquitoes
Xerces Society
Freshwater Mussels
Pollinators
Milkweed
Migration
Butterflies
Biodiversity
Bees
Sustainable Forestry
Conservation
Nectar Plants
Overwintering Strategies
Nocturnal Insects

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of invertebrates and discover how to help these extraordinary animals. The Xerces Society is a nationwide non-profit organization that works to conserve invertebrates and their habitats. For more information go to xerces.org.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes63Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNature

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Artwork for Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Latest Episodes

In this episode, we are going to explore the world of arachnids, but not the spiders you likely imagined after I said that. Nor ticks, nor mites, nor scorpions. No, today we are focusing on solifuges. “Soli-what?” you may be thinking.

Joining us to ... more

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There may be a hidden danger lurking in the plants you purchase. Many plants sold at stores and nurseries, even native plants, are pre-treated with pesticides. So while trying to provide habitat for pollinators, you could be exposing them to chemical... more

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**Correction: In this episode it states that the number of western monarchs in 2023 was 9,000 total. This was the total number for 2024.

Monarch butterflies are known as long-distance travelers, flying hundreds or thousands of miles from summer bree... more

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There are countless ways to support the invertebrates we care about, and creating habitat in your own backyard or community is one we’ve often discussed. Today, we’ll explore real-world examples—what works, what doesn’t, and the exciting discoveries ... more

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Recent Guests

Sharon Salvaggio
Pesticide program specialist for the Xerces Society
Xerces Society
Episode: Buying Bee Safe Plants: How to keep pesticides out of your garden
Kyle Nesson
Biology instructor at Cuesta College and researcher on monarch butterflies
Cuesta College
Episode: Where the Wind Blows: Does wind speed affect overwintering monarchs?
Maya Hutagalung
Illustrator and Science Illustration Intern at Xerces Society
Xerces Society
Episode: Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters
Madison Sankovitz
Illustrator and Scientist specializing in Pollinator Conservation
Xerces Society
Episode: Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters
Aaron Anderson
Pesticide Program Specialist at Xerces
Xerces Society
Episode: Bring Back the Pollinators: Four Simple Steps to Save the Bees
Matthew Shepherd
Director of Outreach and Education at Xerces
Xerces Society
Episode: Bring Back the Pollinators: Four Simple Steps to Save the Bees
Jane Kim
Visual artist and science illustrator, co-founder of Ink Dwell
Ink Dwell
Episode: Walls That Speak: Inspiring Conservation Through Art
Thayer Walker
Author and correspondent, co-founder of Ink Dwell
Ink Dwell
Episode: Walls That Speak: Inspiring Conservation Through Art
Scott Black
Executive Director of the Xerces Society, a renowned conservationist
Xerces Society
Episode: A Year in Invertebrate Conservation: Successes and the Road Ahead

Hosts

Rachel Dunham
Co-host and contributor with deep involvement in pollinator conservation and public outreach.
Matthew Shepherd
Co-host and long-time Xerces Society communications lead, with focus on outreach and education for pollinator conservation.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 120 ratings
  • wonderful podcast

    This podcast has completely changed my reaction to seeing bugs from one of alarm to one of excitement -- instead of reaching for a tissue now, I reach for my phone to pull up iNaturalist. The format is accessible for laypeople, the bug facts are delightful, and the work Xerces does is incredibly valuable. Thanks for making it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    anacardia
    United Statesa month ago
  • Inconsistent content and audio

    As a long term member of Xerces I really wanted to like this podcast but the audio can be terrible (sound levels, clarity) and sometimes they have great guests talking about interesting and relevant research and others it’s just a ‘banter’ about ‘wow aren’t bugs interesting there is a wasp that paralyzes cockroaches’ but so generalized that I want to ask ‘are you a entomologist?’ There are so many other ‘isn’t nature amazing’ podcasts with good sound quality. Make yourself stand out by doing mor... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    clareplantslots
    United States7 months ago
  • Bad audio

    They need to find someone who knows how to work with audio. There’s drastic differences in sound levels between one host and the their and the guest. Impossible to understand both without breaking your eardrums

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    I do mountains
    United States9 months ago
  • Learning so much!

    I’ve been planting native flora for a few years to help out native pollinators and realized I didn’t know much about these animals! This podcast has helped me get a grasp on these magnificent creature - thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KatFlyer
    United States2 years ago
  • Please do a episode on ✨🕷️SPIDERS🕷️✨

    i luv this podcast its so intelligent and fun unlike alot of podcasts ive heard impressive:)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hdhdhdnxjs
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audio quality is inconsistent but content is informative and scientifically solid.
Great for beginners and conservation-minded audiences wanting practical tips.
Accessible and engaging for lay listeners, with strong guest quality.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#83
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#153
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#194
Australia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#41
Spain/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#101
New Zealand/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#140
Ireland/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Buying Bee Safe Plants: How to keep pesticides out of your garden
Q: What makes a plant toxic to pollinators and how long can those effects last?
Systemic insecticides can be absorbed and move within the plant, potentially lasting six months to several years, depending on the chemical, with longer persistence especially concerning for honeybees.
Buying Bee Safe Plants: How to keep pesticides out of your garden
Q: Can you tell us a little about the risk to pollinators from pesticides?
Pesticides are a major threat extending beyond immediate kill; they affect development, learning, and survival, with systemic products posing long-term exposure risks through pollen and nectar.
Where the Wind Blows: Does wind speed affect overwintering monarchs?
Q: How did wind become a focus of your study?
Wind became a focus due to early hypotheses suggesting it was a critical abiotic factor affecting monarchs' overwintering survival, leading to research on their response to wind conditions.
Where the Wind Blows: Does wind speed affect overwintering monarchs?
Q: Can you give us the basics of overwintering habitat for Western monarchs?
Monarchs overwinter in groves where they seek shelter from freezing temperatures and a lack of milkweed, their essential food source, during the winter months.
Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters
Q: What inspired you to study science and illustration?
Both guests were inspired by their curiosity for the natural world, leading them to blend their interests in art and science to communicate ecological concepts effectively.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

What is Bug Banter with the Xerces Society about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-forward show focused on invertebrates, pollinators, and conservation. Episodes frequently feature Xerces Society researchers, conservationists, and artists who intersect science with public engagement, discussing topics from pesticide risk and habitat restoration to bee and butterfly conservation and science illustration. The tone blends accessible, actionable guidance for gardeners and communities with deep dives into current research and conservation campaigns. Unique through-line includes collaborative projects with artists and community science, and a consistent emphasis on practical steps listeners can take to support pollinators in urban and rural settings.

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Which podcasts are similar to Bug Banter with the Xerces Society?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Bug Banter with the Xerces Society:

1. The joe gardener Show - Organic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Expert Garden Advice From Joe Lamp'l
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How many episodes of Bug Banter with the Xerces Society are there?

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society launched 2 years ago and published 63 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Bug Banter with the Xerces Society?

Recent guests on Bug Banter with the Xerces Society include:

1. Sharon Salvaggio
2. Kyle Nesson
3. Maya Hutagalung
4. Madison Sankovitz
5. Aaron Anderson
6. Matthew Shepherd
7. Jane Kim
8. Thayer Walker

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