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Artwork for Bugs Need Heroes

Bugs Need Heroes

BugsNeedHeroes
Bugs Need Heroes
Oil Beetles
Ecology
Tiger Beetle
Velvet Worm
Maria Sibylla Merian
Insects
Velvet Ants
Joro Spider
Entomology
Moths
Hornworms
Brown Recluse Spider
Cats
Butterflies
Caterpillars
Burying Beetles
Fireflies
Peppered Moth
Insect Superheroes

On each episode of Bugs Need Heroes, an ecologist and an illustrator team-up to create a new insect-inspired super hero. The finished characters are posted to our social media pages and at BugsNeedHeroes.com Email us questions about bugs at BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman. Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman. Edited by Derek Conrad. Character artwork by ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes89Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatureEducation

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Artwork for Bugs Need Heroes

Latest Episodes

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!... more

YouTube

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, ... more

YouTube

Amanda leads an episode about the history of silkworms and how they changed the world!

Topic discussion begins around 7:10

Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ more

YouTube

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 wi... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Floria Uy
Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester specializing in parasitic insects
University of Rochester
Episode: The Biohacker (STREPSIPTERA with Dr Floria Uy)
Dr. Scott Kight
An entomologist and researcher at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Episode: Dude Dad Diaper Bug (GIANT WATER BUGS aka TOE-BITERS)
Dr. Aaron Rodriguez
Researcher focusing on German cockroaches and associated proteins
Episode: Tergal Lad (COCKROACHES with Dr Aaron Rodriques)
Dr. Emily Durkin
Entomologist specializing in mites and parasites
University of Tampa
Episode: Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)
Derek Conrad
Producer and editor of Bugs Need Heroes
Bugs Need Heroes
Episode: Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)
Christy Bills
An entomologist from the Utah Natural History Museum
Utah Natural History Museum
Episode: Bug Hero: Christy Bills (MUSEUM COLLECTIONS)
Dr. Mike Glynn
Veterinarian knowledgeable about cats' behavior and health.
Episode: Cats Need Heroes

Hosts

Amanda Niday
Co-host and artist, involved in the creation of superhero characters inspired by insect traits. Her background in illustration complements the educational content of the show.
Kelly Zimmerman
Co-host and entomologist, bringing scientific expertise and insights about insects to the show. She engages guests and discusses ecological topics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 87 ratings
  • Good

    I suggest the pod weird bugs they are new

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cleo1717🩷Podlover
    United States2 months ago
  • Good

    Bug🐞🐜🐜🦟🪲🪲🪳🕷️🐞🐛🦟🪲🪳🪲🐜

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cleo1717🩷Podlover
    United States4 months ago
  • Wonderful

    I love hearing the two hosts banter even when bugs aren't involved. They have very sweet personalities and I learn so much from listening to the show. Thank you for all the time you guys put Into it❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheEgg1
    United States5 months ago
  • Get to the bug facts

    Please don't make me give you a one star rating

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Cleo1717🩷Podlover
    United States5 months ago
  • Hey y’all

    Could you do the tomato hornworm or the tobacco hornworm ( I think you should make them look like a cowboy if you do them)

    Edit: Thank you guys!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LelandRene
    Canadaa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Reviews highlight the informative content about insects while also appreciating humor and personal stories shared by the hosts.
Listeners express enjoyment of the hosts' engaging banter and the blend of education with entertainment.
Feedback indicates some listeners might expect a more focused approach on bug facts, but overall, the creative presentation is well received.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#135
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#216
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#70
Russia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#104
Netherlands/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#194
Ireland/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#223
Denmark/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Scooty! (HOUSE CENTIPEDES)
Q: How do they drink?
House centipedes drink from droplets of water by leaning down or can absorb water from their environment.
Scooty! (HOUSE CENTIPEDES)
Q: What do house centipedes eat?
They eat other bugs, including cockroaches, spiders, and earwigs.
Scooty! (HOUSE CENTIPEDES)
Q: Can house centipedes bite?
Yes, they can bite, but it's quite unusual and they are not aggressive. If they do bite, the reaction is generally mild, akin to a bee sting.
Lil Dudes Insect Academy
Q: What is the biggest gap in students learning about entomology?
Bradon believes the biggest gap occurs from the end of elementary school to middle school, as that's when student interests tend to shift and bugs are overlooked as a career path.
Lil Dudes Insect Academy
Q: Bradon, tell us a little bit about your bug journey. How did you become interested in bugs?
Bradon shares that he was known as the 'bug kid' and became interested in bugs from around the age of three or four. He mentions gaining consciousness around that time and having a hyper-fixation on insects which led him to pursue a degree in entomology.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Bugs Need Heroes

What is Bugs Need Heroes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast blends education, creativity, and humor as it explores the fascinating world of insects through the lens of superhero creation. Each episode presents an engaging discussion where the hosts, an ecologist and an illustrator, delve into various insect species and their unique traits, while conceptualizing insect-inspired superheroes based on their characteristics. Topics are wide-ranging, from the complexities of parasitic insect behavior to the ecological roles of various bugs, covering not only scientific facts but also personal anecdotes and humorous interactions. This unique approach aims to entertain while educating listeners about the wonders of the insect world, making it particularly appealing to bug enthusiasts and casual... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Bugs Need Heroes?

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1. Lore
2. You're Wrong About
3. Weird Little Guys
4. Nature Guys
5. Ologies with Alie Ward

How many episodes of Bugs Need Heroes are there?

Bugs Need Heroes launched 3 years ago and published 89 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 Bugs Need Heroes?

Recent guests on Bugs Need Heroes include:

1. Floria Uy
2. Dr. Scott Kight
3. Dr. Aaron Rodriguez
4. Dr. Emily Durkin
5. Derek Conrad
6. Christy Bills
7. Dr. Mike Glynn

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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