Lovable Creepy Crawlies: Bugs You Didn’t Know You Needed
Episode Overview:
In this Wildly Curious episode, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the fascinating world of creepy crawlies! From the misunderstood monarch butterfly to the often-overlooked roly-poly, the co-hosts take you on an entertaining journey into the insect world. You’ll discover some surprising facts about these critters and learn why bugs and invertebrates are not just important—but lovable too! Whether you’re a lifelong insect enthusiast or someone who needs a little convincing, this episode will give you a newfound appreciation for these vital creatures.
Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and anyone looking to explore the incredible diversity of invertebrates that quietly keep ecosystems thriving.
Expanded Key Topics Covered:
Monarch Butterfly
Key Role: Monarchs are best known for their stunning migration patterns and their role as pollinators. They travel thousands of miles across multiple generations to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico and California, where they become a spectacle of nature.
Additional Learning: Monarch populations are in decline, primarily due to habitat destruction and the loss of milkweed, their host plant. Efforts to conserve them include planting milkweed and creating protected habitats.
Fun Fact: Monarch caterpillars will headbutt each other for access to food sources like milkweed!
Explore More:
Monarch Migration Patterns
Roly-Polies (Pill Bugs)
Key Role: Although not insects, roly-polies play a crucial role in decomposing dead organic matter. They help recycle nutrients back into the soil and aerate it, benefiting the plants and entire ecosystems.
Additional Learning: Pill bugs are crustaceans, related to shrimp and crabs, and their ability to roll into a ball is a defense mechanism known as conglobation.
Fun Fact: A mother pill bug carries her eggs in a pouch under her body, similar to how marsupials carry their young!
Explore More:
Decomposing Role of Pill Bugs
Cephalopods & Intelligence (Related to the Nature News Segment)
Key Role: Cephalopods like cuttlefish and octopuses have demonstrated surprising levels of intelligence. The episode references a study where cuttlefish passed a cognitive test involving delayed gratification, usually given to children.
Additional Learning: Cuttlefish, octopuses, and squids have large brains relative to their body size and exhibit behaviors that scientists believe indicate problem-solving skills, tool use, and even memory.
Fun Fact: Some cuttlefish can choose to skip a lesser meal in the morning when they know a more preferred meal is coming later in the day!
Explore More:
Cephalopod Intelligence:
URL: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-surprising-intelligence-of-cephalopods/
Ladybugs
Key Role: Ladybugs are beneficial insects in gardens and farms, helping to control pest populations by consuming large numbers of aphids and other harmful insects.
Additional Learning: Farmers have long loved ladybugs, which earned them the name “Beetle of Our Lady” as a nod to the Virgin Mary, who they believed sent these beetles to protect their crops.
Fun Fact: One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime!
Explore More:
Ladybug Benefits:
URL: https://www.planetnatural.com/ladybugs/
Fun Facts from the Episode:
Monarch caterpillars will headbutt each other for food, especially when milkweed is scarce.
Roly-polies are not insects but are terrestrial crustaceans, closely related to shrimp!
Cuttlefish passed a cognitive test designed for children, demonstrating delayed gratification and complex decision-making.
Quotes from the Episode:
"Caterpillars headbutting for food—adorable and competitive!" – Katy
"Pill bugs are just land shrimp... without the cocktail sauce!" – Laura
"Cuttlefish skipping breakfast because they know shrimp is on the menu for dinner—that's some forward-thinking!" – Katy
Additional Resources for Learning:
Monarch Butterflies and Their Migration
Learn about monarch migration, their life cycle, and the conservation efforts to save them.
URL: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/migration/
The Role of Pill Bugs in Ecosystems
Discover how pill bugs contribute to soil health and nutrient cycling.
URL: https://sciencing.com/pill-bugs-environment-8607700.html
The Surprising Intelligence of Cephalopods
Explore the studies that demonstrate the cognitive abilities of cuttlefish and other cephalopods.
URL: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-surprising-intelligence-of-cephalopods/
The Benefits of Ladybugs in Your Garden
Find out why ladybugs are the perfect natural pest control for your garden.
URL: https://www.planetnatural.com/ladybugs/
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Stay curious and keep exploring! 🌿
