Insects for Fun!

This week we are talking about one of the largest crabs on earth and they happen to boast the longest legs of any arthropod! Japanese spider crabs are not only interesting from a physical perspective but also have a lot of unique and fun cultural history and folklore! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we look at the squeaking silkmoth Rhodina fugax, which is a smaller giant silkmoth native to Japan, Korea, and China. In this episode you will learn about their life cycle, why they Squeek, how they do it, and some interesting traditions and names found in Japan. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we're looking at one of the largest mantid species out there! It's especially large for a flower mimic species, and it's so strange that no other species is closely related. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Yuhei Miura

This week, we look at one of the most infamous insects for its ability to completely tame and wipe out island ecosystems. The yellow crazy ants! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Yuhei Miura

This week we are back-tracking to look at a recent discovery made with Tiger beetles! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Yuhei Miura

This week is a special interview with renowned entomologist Barrett Klein, the author of "The Insect Epiphony" Barrett has also created many masterworks in the world of entomology both as passion projects and for museums such as the Natural History Museum! The full conversation and video can be found over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=46499107 You can learn more about Barrett, what he does and his works over at the pupating lab: https://www.pupating.org/people/

This week we dive into another arthropod from overseas (or not for my Japanese and Hong Kong listeners). Joro spiders are well known in the east, and they've slowly been making their presence known in the U.S. with the expansion of their territories every year. On this episode you can learn all about them and why they shouldn't be feared. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we are talking about a common sight across the northeast U.S. which has long been a staple in Asia. The spotted lanternflies: Lycorma delicatula. Learn about why they're being quarantined, where and how they got to U.S., and what people are doing about it right now. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Today's Music by: HM Surf.

Today we're looking at one of the lesser known leaf beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae: Tortoise beetles. They may be small, but they're incredibly beautiful, and have some unique adaptations. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Today's Music by: Lofi Geek.

This week we're looking at one of the most famous kinds of spiders! Both for their cuteness but also because they are incredibly smart! Learn why more and more people are warming up to these tiny critters in today's episode. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music brought to you from Lofi Girl with featured Artists: Blue Wednesday, Another Silent Weekend, and mell-ø

This week we're exploring the lives of tiny insects that make the interior of leaves their home. These insects can be found across an array of orders and as such we are not focusing or looking into any one species but rather talking about them as a whole. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by: Yuhei Miura

This week we're looking at some of the most famous prehistoric animals: their origins, adaptations, behaviors, and extinction. You can find pictures as usually at the Insects for Fun IG page or FB page. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we are looking at plants that actually rely on insects and other small animals for their food. You'll learn about how and why they exist along with the different methods they use to catch prey! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Today is a bonus episode from my backlog of bonus Patreon content. You can unlock AD free episodes, bonus episodes and vlogs over at Patreon.com/insectsforfun! Chapters: (00:08) Circadian rhythm anomaly (02:01) The relationship between blue tits and winter moths (03:45) How one ant species throws lions off their game (05:51) Heliconia butterflies take their mimicry to a whole new level Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we are looking at one of my crabs! Summer is finally here and what speaks summer more than a beach trip with these little crustaceans? Today we're learning all about what it means to be a hermit crab. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Seono

This week we are looking at a common pet in aquariums called cherry shrimp! These shrimp have become incredibly famous and evolved in color and use since starting in Taiwan as simple feeder shrimp. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Takada Fu

Today we're going to Australia to learn about the heaviest moth on earth scientifically known as Endoxyla cinereus. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Shingo Sekiguchi

We're heading to Africa this week to look at one of their most famous beetles: the goliath. We're also going in-depth on how to raise them because they aren't like your traditional beetles. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music provided by Lofi Girl with featured artist: HM Surf

This week we look at what makes swallowtail butterflies so special, and we go through some species highlights to get you started for butterfly watching this summer! It cannot be expressed enough how beautiful and diverse this small but iconic family of butterflies is. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music provided by Lofi Girl with featured artist: HM Surf

This week we are looking at paper wasps which was a listener request from Juliet! Paper wasps are different from regular wasps in a number of ways, like personality, behaviors, and even the way they craft their nests. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Sea - no.

This week we look at different disciplines within Urban Entomology along with different insects that have adapted to city life! Support Insects for Fun! :) Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music by Sea - no.

Today we're taking a look at some interesting isopods that live by the ocean! Learn all about wharf roaches/sea slaters and what makes them special in today's episode! Be sure to check out the "Deep Dives With Sharks" podcast wherever you listen. Link below! https://open.spotify.com/show/05ddvnV4czs9deV0gvuKmh?si=c717fcc52f8a43f5 Support Insects for Fun! :) Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Today we are talking all things millipedes including how they're different from centipedes! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Today's music was brought to you by Lofi Girl

This week was a listener request by Ruth wanting to learn more about centipedes. Learn about some of the crazy things centipedes are capable of along with why you shouldn't play with them. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we're looking into the weird creatures known as Skippers! These insects have been an oddity in the order of Lepidoptera and for good reasons. They just don't seem to fit the mold for either moths or butterflies. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music provided by Lofi Girl with featured Artist: Blue Wednesday

This week is all about the tiger beetles the incredibly fast and ferocious Coleoptera that can't seem to stay in a taxonomic family. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from LofiGirl with featured Artist: HM Surf

This week we're looking at the wonderful world of insects in the far eastern part of the world. Japan has a booming insect culture that's always been around. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from LofiGirl with featured Artist: HM Surf

Today we are taking a closer look at one of the most easily recognized species of butterflies in the world. The common white or cabbage white butterfly. These insects are easily overlooked, but they've got some pretty cool behaviors and adaptations beneath the surface. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Today's artists: Shingo Sekiguchi and Kei Kawaguchi.

This week we look at my favorite group of orthoptera, tettigoniidae also known as katydids and bush crickets. Many people get these insects confused for others like grasshoppers or even cicadas (because of their songs) but they hold a special place in the insect class. Today we learn about their songs, behaviors, and much more. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we look into the brief but amazing lives of mayflies covering their behaviors, life cycles, cultural importance, and mating rituals. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music featuring: Masaki Tomiyama

This week is all about the beautiful and voracious green lacewing! We learn about their life cycle, their habits, and why people love to have them around their gardens. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music featuring Kazuya Morita

This week we break down what it means to be a horseshoe crab and talk about the mechanics behind their blue blood and why it's so important. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

Today is one of the Patreon exclusive episodes talking about discoveries and broader topics in the world of Entomology. There's much more where this came from over on Patreon.com/Insects for fun. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music provided by Lofi Girl with featured Artist: HM Surf

This week we look at Harvestmen! The strange spider-like but not quite spider arthropods that roam the earth. We'll go over some fun names, myths, legends, behaviors, and defenses! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music featuring artists: HM Surf, Squeeda, Brillion, and Takada Fu.

This week we look at the booming and lucrative business of isopods as pets! Let's dive into the different options, and prices for designer isopods, and how to build their enclosures and care for them. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music featuring artists: Kei Kawaguchi, Takada Fu, and Toshiki Hayashi

This week we look at one of America's most venomous caterpillars and learn about some of their unique traits along with what happens if you get stung. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from Lofi Girl featuring: HM Surf and S N U G.

Today we are taking a look at some crazy looking insects known as Harlequin beetles. This beetle is so unique that it doesn't share any relatives under its genus, but its uniqueness goes beyond appearance... Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from Lofi Girl featuring: HM Surf and Brillion.

This week we look at the top 3 most used and well-known composter eaters, and how you can raise them for your own garden and compost needs. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from Lofi Girl featuring: S N U G, Sátyr, and Phlocalyst.

This week we look at burying beetles in the subfamily Nicrophorinae aka Sexton Beetles, and what separates them from other beetles. Learn about their life cycles, behaviors, relationships with others, and more! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

This week we look at two different species of weevils known as Giraffe weevils, but these two species aren't closely related at all. We learn why both are referred to as giraffes and what makes them special. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from lofi girl featuring: HM Surf, Sátyr, and Phlocalyst.

This week we dive into some unique insects that give birth to their babies instead of laying eggs, and how they do it! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Music from Lofi Girl featuring HM Surf, mell-ø and other Japanese artists like Shingo Sekigu and Takada Fu.

This week we are going back in time to look at some noteworthy ancient insects, how they were different from today, and why they're now gone. Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Lofi Girl featuring: HM Surf, Brillion, and Blue Wednesday

This week we are talking about the Australian Christmas beetles! What they are, what makes them special, and how their festive looks protect them from heat. Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Lofi Geek

This week we are looking into Bed Bugs, their history, how they become a problem, and what you can do. Also! The Discord is now officially open :) Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6 Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Takada Fu and Toshiki Hayashi

This week we are showcasing large parasitoid wasps that target tarantulas for their young, and why you might not want to bother one. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Shingo Sekiguchi!

This week we're taking a look at Violin Beetles which are a really unique and underrated insect found exclusively in the tropics of Southeast Asia. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Shingo Sekiguchi!

This week we look at the origin story of Sea Monkeys along with interesting facts about Brine Shrimp. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Lofi Girl with featured artists: HM Surf, Purrple Cat, Mell-ø, and Sleepermane

This week we are talking about the invasive and widely spread brown marmorated stink bug; why there are so many of them and why you don't want them around. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Lofi Girl with featured artists: HM Surf, Purrple Cat, and Blue Wednesday Transcript: Welcome to Episode 64 of Insects for fun! The weekly podcast on all things creepy crawly with a focus on insects. Today we’re going to talk about stink bugs because my god there are tons of them right now. In the fall when weather is starting to cool down a very smelly bug starts to make more and more of an appearance, but today we’re focusing on a specific stink bug called that the Brown marmorated stink bug. This bug is native to China, Japan, and other Asian countries but made its way into the United States in 1998. The state of introduction was Pennsylvania but this smelly bug can now be found throughout many states both east coast and west. Coincidentally it was also introduced into Europe in 1998, but I believe this came after the American introduction. For the European listeners you guys can find these in Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and much more recently the United Kingdom (gasp). They’re going to take over the world I’m sure except for Antarctica because well… who can actually stand to tolerate that wasteland. Now where you live might also have native stink bugs, so how can you tell the difference? The brown marmorated is a marbled deep brown in color. This is actually where the term marmorated comes from, and these ones have white bands on their antennae as well as a black and white stripes along the sides of their abdomen. And yes this is indeed a true bug like all stink bugs and belongs to the family pentatomidae which is in reference to its pentagonal shape. The marmorated stink bug doesn’t only appear in fall though its life cycle begins in spring, but it takes a little while to reach their final form. For example they go through 5 instars or molts and each one takes a week or so to complete. They aren’t anything special to look at either, making them all the more unwanted by most everyone. They’re relatively small too, only reaching about 1.7cm or a little over half an inch, but their smell is incredibly strong, and is often compared with rotting vegetables. I mean if you’ve ever made one angry then I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. But why is it that we only seem to really notice them in the fall if they’re around all summer? These little dudes do not like cold weather, and as a result are actively trying to enter places that can shield them from the cold like your house for example. Or in my case the school that I currently work at because these things are everywhere, and the best part is that my school literally leaves windows open with no screens. They’re straight up asking for stink bugs and then freak out when they enter the school. But this episode isn’t about the dumb things that happen at my school. So now we know these bugs love the indoors when it gets cold, and are really smelly when threatened or scared, but are they bad for us? Fortunately for you, this stink bug will not bite you, and isn’t harmful to you or your pets! Sure if your dog or cat eats one they might throw up later or get an upset stomach but the bugs are not poisonous or venomous so don’t go rushing them to the vet. Unless something is really wrong, but I haven’t heard of any deathly allergies to stink bugs. I did learn though that people who have an allergy to cockroaches will likely have adverse reactions to the brown marmorated stink bug, and these bugs can release a pheromone to let other stink bugs know they found a good place to hibernate for the winter leading to thousands of stink bugs in your home. One Maryland household had 26,000 individuals which is totally crazy! On the bright side of things, if they do make their way into your home, garage or shed etc, they aren’t going to cause damage by eating your furniture etc. They won’t even reproduce in your home or eat your food. They really just want to get away from the cold, but of course I don’t blame anyone for not wanting them around. And generally you don’t want these bugs around. In fact New Zealand is actively trying to make sure they don’t enter the island and for good reasons! Jamie I’m counting on you (idk if he still listens to this.. Hope he does!) At any rate these stink bugs are generalists feeding on 100s of plants, and when they feed on plants they cause wilting, bruising, and even less fruit production in hardwood trees. They’ll even feed on the fruits themselves causing lots of losses for farmers! They’re an absolute pain to deal with because a single female can lay up to 500 eggs in batches of 20 to 30 under leaves of host plants. It’s also difficult to find them sometimes, espe

This week we are literally diving into the topic of crustaceans and how they're related to insects, but that's not all. Let's also take a closer look at lobsters and learn some interesting history. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected] Music from Lofi Girl with featured artists: HM Surf, and Purrple Cat Transcript: Welcome to episode 63 of Insects for fun! Only today we’re not talking about insects exclusively. This is a bridge episode which is going to link us into all further episodes relating to crustaceans because there’s a lot and I don’t want to have to keep explaining their relationship every time. SO! Here we go (underwater bubbles) Remember that episode I did talking about how not all insects are bugs but all bugs are insects? Well here’s a new one for ya. All insects are actually crustaceans, but not all crustaceans aren’t insects (HUH) and no, spiders, scorpions, millipedes, centipedes, and horseshoe crabs are not crustaceans which means that yes, lobsters, shrimp and crabs are more closely related to insects than arachnids, and those other creepy crawly arthropods. Let’s go back in time to where it all began which would be the Cambrian period. At this time the earth did have land masses but Pangea was not a thing, and these land masses were very very bare. Almost all life was still in the ocean and it was here that Crustaceans first came into existence. So what do Crustaceans and Insects have in common then? Well, for starters they both rely on an exoskeleton made of chitin, and they both start out as an egg and go through a series of molts to reach their adult stage. They also both have compound eyes and antennae! Yeah that’s right, even crabs have antennae, and crazier still is that crustaceans actually have two pairs of antennae unlike insects which only have one. But the similarities go deeper than this, and by that I’m referring to their insides. Both of them share the same proteins for transporting oxygen, and they’re circulatory systems are also controlled by the same peptides. I think it’s safe to say that yes. Insects are indeed crustaceans, and when we eat shrimp, crab and lobster, we’re basically just eating big ocean bugs. But are Lobsters really just roaches of the sea? How did that myth even start in the first place? Believe it or not there was a time when Lobsters were actually referred to as the poor man’s chicken or even cockroaches of the sea in the United States. Back in the 1600 and 1700s the full potential of a lobster's taste had yet to be unlocked and people really didn’t know how delicious they could be. As a result piles and piles of lobsters would wash up on the shores and people didn’t know what to do with them because they certainly weren’t going to eat them. But the reason lobsters began to really pique people’s interest started with the transportation system. As more and more railroads were being built, and more and more passengers were riding trains for longer periods of time; food had to be made available and what better than to offer cheap and common Lobster! More and more people began eating lobster and became curious about the methods one could cook it, and now here we are. Lobster is considered a delicacy and fetches a high price. So now that we have the knowledge of what a crustacean is, and the history of lobsters in the states. Let’s look at what exactly a Lobster is, and come to a conclusion as to whether they’re indeed overpriced cockroaches or not. Not all lobsters are the same, and many crustaceans which have lobster in the name are not true lobsters. Today we are looking specifically at clawed lobsters in the family Nephropidae of which there are around 54! Not too many which is kind of surprising, and I think there must be more as well considering they all say we know more about our solar system than we do about the oceans on earth. These clawed lobsters have 10 legs but only 8 are used for walking. The front three pairs all have claws, so yeah the big claws we crack open and eat are just one pair of 3 legs! Now here’s where it starts to get quite familiar… the body of a lobster contains three segments. The head, thorax, and abdomen, but with most crustaceans, the head and thorax are fused into something called a cephalothorax! Lobsters also contain large compound eyes, and get this, three pairs of antennae… yeah! The two really long ones we see are used for feeling the ground and the others are for picking up chemicals scents in the water. Some of you might be wondering what the smaller leg things are under the tail of a lobster, and those are called pleopods or swimmerets and they help with swimming! In general clawed lobsters are on the larger side between 25 - 50cm or 10 and 20inches, I mean I’m sure many of us have seen one form of them before, but it does vary depending on where the species liv

This is another bonus episode covering spooky tales from people on the internet as well as the news! Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: [email protected]