There Will Be Bugs

There Will Be Bugs

Informative podcast discussing a variety of entomological related subjects. Hosted by Ben Knowlton and Zillah Smith. If you have questions or suggestions for future episodes please contact us at: bdkn223@uky.edu We are on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. CAUTION- This podcast occasionally contains language that may not be suitable for younger listeners.

  1. Episode 31 - Ben's Favorite Insects

    11/08/2025

    Episode 31 - Ben's Favorite Insects

    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.

    1h 40m
  2. Episode 30 - Galls

    08/03/2025

    Episode 30 - Galls

    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.

    55 min
  3. Episode 29 - (Complete) Metamorphosis

    04/06/2025

    Episode 29 - (Complete) Metamorphosis

    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.

    1 hr
  4. Episode 28 - Herbivorous Arms Race

    01/27/2025

    Episode 28 - Herbivorous Arms Race

    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.

    1h 29m
  5. Episode 27 - Taxonomy, Systematics, and Phylogenetics, Oh My!

    12/24/2024

    Episode 27 - Taxonomy, Systematics, and Phylogenetics, Oh My!

    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.

    1h 20m
  6. Episode 26 - Assassin Bugs

    11/27/2024

    Episode 26 - Assassin Bugs

    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.

    50 min
  7. Episode 25 - Colorado Potato Beetle

    09/23/2024

    Episode 25 - Colorado Potato Beetle

    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.

    41 min
  8. Episode 24 - Cucumber Beetles and Squash Bugs

    08/07/2024

    Episode 24 - Cucumber Beetles and Squash Bugs

    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.

    54 min
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5 Ratings

About

Informative podcast discussing a variety of entomological related subjects. Hosted by Ben Knowlton and Zillah Smith. If you have questions or suggestions for future episodes please contact us at: bdkn223@uky.edu We are on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. CAUTION- This podcast occasionally contains language that may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Information

  • Creator
    There Will Be Bugs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    There Will Be Bugs