Arthro-Pod

In this episode, the Arthro-Pod crew sits down with Dr. Drew, a small animal veterinarian based in Frankfort, Kentucky, to dive into the wild world of veterinary entomology. We explore what it's like to play medical detective, how technology is changing animal care, and the real-world challenges practitioners face today. Then, we get into the gritty details of pet parasites—tackling everything from fleas, ticks, and tapeworms to ear mites, delusory parasitosis, and the New World screwworm. Packed with fun tangents and crucial advice on prevention and treatment, this episode is a deep dive into keeping our pets safe.

Show notes:

Animal Medical Center, Frankfort, KY

Website | Facebook | Instagram @amcmyvet4pets

Veterinary Articles:

Fleas: Update on fleas, flea-borne disease, and flea control

Tick Control: Veterinary Manual (Merck) Tick Control

Ear Mites: Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats

Sarcoptic Mange:Mite Infestation in Dogs

Lice: Overview of Lice in Animals

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

Welcome back bug lovers! This is the second episode in a two part series about the history of imported fire ants in the United States and the ways we responded to their presence in the south. Colloquially these could be referred to as the "FIRE ANT WARS"! In this episode, we go deeper into the middle of the 20th century, a time where the wars are cold and the atoms are tamed. The ants however are running riot and some people really want to do something about it. Tune in to find out what they tried!

Show Notes:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/F/bo3639751.html

https://extension.msstate.edu/introduction-fire-ants

https://fireant.tamu.edu/learn/history-of-the-red-imported-fire-ant/

The Fire Ant on Trial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5xK3xSk3eI

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

This week we talk with Dr. George Gale about grape phylloxera - how it was introduced into France in the late 1800s, how it devastated French viticulture and wine production, and how ultimately we overcame this pest through hybridization and use of American rootstocks. We also touch upon the history of grape phylloxera in the rest of the world, with a focus on California.

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

In this episode, Ross Stewart from the Center for Biodiversity and Genomics discusses the innovative BugQuest project, which uses Malaise traps and DNA barcoding to study insect diversity across Canada. Discover how citizen science, advanced sequencing, and creative outreach are transforming entomology research.

• BugQuest: https://bioscan.life/bugquest/
• University of Guelph News (April 2026): https://news.uoguelph.ca/2026/04/got-bugs-u-of-g-collecting-samples-to-catalogue-canadas-biodiversity/
• Center for Biodiversity Genomics: https://biodiversitygenomics.net/

Keywords: entomology, DNA barcoding, Malaise traps, citizen science, insect diversity, BugQuest, genomics, biodiversity, scientific outreach

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

Welcome back bug lovers! This is the first of a two part series about the history of fire ants in the United States and the ways we responded to their presence in the south. Colloquially these could be referred to as the "FIRE ANT WARS"! You can imagine your own pulse pounding beat to idea... In this episode, we unpack how fire ants arrived in the US, the sequence of events that led to red imported fire ant becoming so common, and the first forays into understanding this pest.

Show Notes:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/F/bo3639751.html

https://extension.msstate.edu/introduction-fire-ants

https://fireant.tamu.edu/learn/history-of-the-red-imported-fire-ant/

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

Welcome back, Arthro-Pod listeners! This week we chat with Kevyn Juneau, Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin - River Falls, about teaching and research at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI). We take a deep dive into his habitat restoration work in the Bahamas and how teaching at a PUI is different from a larger (e.g., R1, land grant, state) university. Part of Kevyn's research has been conducted via collaborations made through the Ecological Research as Education Network, which helps connect folks at PUIs so they can conduct larger, more impactful work across broader geographic areas.

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Hey bug lovers! In today's show, the crew meets up with Sally Raymond to talk all about integrated pest management in apple orchards. Apple production is fascinating and the ways growers manage pests are also unique compared to other ag systems. Tune in to learn about apples as a system, how are pests dealt with in orchards, Sally's work specifically looking at hail netting to stop pests, and how IPM helps the beneficial organisms in the orchard.

Show notes:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219424000711#sec3

https://entomology.umn.edu/news/nelson-double-duty-nets

https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/116/6/2104/7334101

Get ready listeners, this episode is packed with so many things! Jody and Jonathan are joined by Dr. Ted Burk, who really didn't need any questions, prompts or an outline. It is an episode rich in stories about insects, scientific discovery, and conservation efforts—perfect for entomologists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

This interview with entomologist Dr. Burk follows his lifelong path from 4-H insect collecting to a decades-long career in behavior, ecology, and conservation at Creighton University. He shares stories from his research on American cockroaches, crickets, Caribbean fruit flies, conehead katydids, regal fritillaries, monarch butterflies, and fireflies, while highlighting how insect mating behavior, pollination, and prairie restoration reveal the deep ecological importance of even the smallest creatures.

Note: If you want to hear Ted talk about the biologically interesting state of Nebraska pay attention to 37:23-39:39.

More about Ted:

• Dr. Theodore Burk’s Faculty Profile at Creighton University Department of Biology
• Xerces Society 2024 article about Ted Burk and his work with insect conservation
• Glacier Creek Preserve Butterfly List, last updated 2020
• Richard Dawkins and Theodore Burk in 1976 Photo

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

Join us as we dive into the career journey and leadership insights of Melissa Siebert, a renowned entomologist in industry and the 2026 President of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Discover how her dedication, scientific expertise, and community-building efforts shape the future of entomology and agriculture.

Topics Covered:

• Melissa's background and path into entomology and insecticide development
• The pipeline of insecticide research: from molecule design to market
• Leadership journey within ESA and the significance of community building
• The evolving landscape of industry and the skills needed for success
• Insights into ESA's organizational structure and upcoming initiatives
• The importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and society members

Links:

• Melissa Siebert
• Corteva
• Entomological Society of America

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

Hello bug lovers! In today's episode, Jody, Jonathan, and Michael are joined by entomology legend, Dr. Tom Turpin of Purdue University. Tom is an ESA fellow, an author (check out Flies in the Face of Fashion, Mites Make Right, and other Bugdacious Tales and What’s Buggin’ You Now? Bee’s Knees, Bug Lites, and Beetles), and is most famous for his work in teaching and outreach.

Today, he helps Arthro-Pod to examine the use of insects and their relatives in poetry. If you have every wanted to know why the cicada sings or the why the firefly glows, this isthe episode for you!

If you want to read some of the poems discussed:

https://www.literarymatters.org/18-1-meleager-of-gadara-to-the-cicada/

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58430/firefly-56d23ccbb5f21

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53210/on-the-grasshopper-and-cricket

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Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

This week we chat with Calvin Norman, an extension forester with Penn State, about the importance of hemlock trees in eastern North America and the impact that hemlock woolly adelgid has had on hemlock forests. Spoiler, it's not good.

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Join us as we dive into the vital role of milkweed for monarch butterfly survival, the community-driven efforts to plant and restore habitats. Our guest, Nancy Crews, director of Milkweed Matters, shares inspiring stories of grassroots initiatives, scientific advancements, and how everyone can contribute to pollinator conservation.

Call to Action:

Plant native gardens, participate in seed collection, support habitat restoration, and spread awareness about the importance of pollinators. Your efforts help ensure that monarchs and countless other pollinators thrive for generations to come.

Resources and Links:

Milkweed Matters Website: https://milkweedmatters.org/

Monarch Watch: https://monarchwatch.org/blog/

Radio tracking Monarchs: https://monarchjointventure.org/blog/revolutionary-tracking-study-follows-monarchs

Motus: https://motus.org/

Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

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Unlock the surprising art and science of transforming urban trees into one-of-a-kind lumber and discover why bugs are part of the story that makes every piece unique.

In this episode, Meghan Sundermeier of Omaha Wood Company shares how she salvages urban logs, turning both unwanted and sentimental wood into beautiful, sustainable creations. Guided by a deep respect for nature, Meghan’s work is about more than woodworking. It is about rethinking waste, honoring the life of trees, and recognizing the tiny ecosystems that exist all around us, even in urban spaces.

She walks us through the entire process, from sourcing local wood to milling and kiln drying using advanced vacuum technology. Along the way, she explains the critical steps needed to eliminate pests like powderpost beetles and wood boring beetles, offering practical insight into how entomology intersects with craftsmanship.

Visit Omaha Wood Company in person or connect with them on social media to learn more.

Website: https://omahawood.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omahawoodco/

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Thank you so much for listening!

Michael and the gang chat with Dr. Jared Ali about his unorthodox journey to becoming an entomologist, making unexpected connections, and exploring multitrophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and pests.

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Thank you so much for listening!

Michael and Jody speak with Dr. Joanie King to talk about her love of ants, particularly the harvester ants. Discover fascinating insights into harvester ants, their behavior, ecological roles, and ongoing research from an experienced extension entomologist. This episode highlights the complexity of seed foraging, species diversity, and how ants contribute to ecosystems and land management.

In this episode:

• Meet Dr. Joanie King, extension entomologist at New Mexico State University
• The behavior and role of harvester ants in arid and semi-arid environments
• How seed preferences vary among different harvester ant species and their impact on restoration efforts
• Exploring the diversity of harvester ants such as Pogonomyrmex and Novomessor species
• Techniques for keeping and studying harvester ants in the lab
• The surprising connections between insects and popular culture, including their representation in films and sci-fi/comic conventions

Links and resources:

• Where to find Joanie King: https://eppws.nmsu.edu/faculty-staff/faculty.html
• Ask An Entomologist
• AntWiki - Comprehensive resource for ant taxonomy and behavior
• AntWeb - High-resolution ant specimen images and IDs

Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!

Join us in this episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien, a dedicated entomologist, educator, and lifelong learner. From her early days in New York to her impactful work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise shares her unique perspective on teaching, community engagement, and the importance of building relationships with insects and people alike. This conversation highlights her innovative approach to science communication, qualitative research methods, and her love for continuous learning.

In this episode:

• Louise’s path from childhood curiosity to professional entomology
• The role of nature in fostering wonder and scientific inquiry
• How she integrates qualitative research into insect outreach and education
• Strategies for shifting public perceptions of insects and arthropods
• Balancing teaching, extension, and research in higher education
• The value of experiential learning courses for students
• Using storytelling and soft skills to enhance science communication
• Insights on managing student mentorship and fostering growth mindset
• The impact of community science and long-term outreach programs like Bugfest
• Her favorite MasterClass courses and continuous professional development

To get to know Louise:

• UNL Directory: https://entomology.unl.edu/person/dr-louise-i-lynch-obrien/
• Faculty Spotlight: https://ianrnews.unl.edu/faculty-spotlight-louise-lynch-obrien
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/civicentolab/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlynchobrien/
• UNL Online M.S. in Entomology: https://entomology.unl.edu/academic-programs/online-master-science-entomology/

Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!

Join Jonathan and Michael as they return to the pocket universe of Pokémon to revisit the various arthropods you could catch there. This one has some cultural explorations of video games and gamer identities as well as conversation about why Pokémon might appeal specifically to the entomologists of the world.

Show Notes

https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/ckenhi/a_barely_scientific_cladogram_of_arthropod_pokemon/#lightbox

https://academic.oup.com/ae/article/64/3/159/5098346

Entomology Today interview on last article

https://entomologytoday.org/2018/10/22/how-pokemon-opens-door-entomology-education/

The Entomological Diversity of Pokemon

https://jgeekstudies.org/2018/10/12/entomological-diversity-of-pokemon/

The Phylogeny of Pokemon

https://www.improbable.com/airchives/paperair/volume18/v18i4/Phylogeny-Pokemon.pdf

Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!

Happy New Year, Arthro-Pod Listeners!

In this episode, each of the hosts choose an intriguing and slightly bizarre insect-related news story to dissect. Among the stories include 1) the controversial topic of cyborg cockroaches being developed for military applications, 2) a disturbing lawsuit involving bed bugs on a plane, and 3) the implications of granting legal rights to stingless bees in Peru.

Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!

Happy 2025, Arthro-Pod listeners. We hope this year has treated you as well as it could have and that 2026 is better. During this cold wintery season, Michael and Jonathan say down to talk about ice crawlers, otherwise known as grylloblattids, those enigmatic insects that are associated with glaciers and high mountain environments. Or are they? Listen to the episode to find out why these insects are so cool, and how they deal with the cold.

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Hey there bug lovers! On today's episode, Jody, Michael, and Jonathan sit down and talk about the many wonder products that we can harvest from insects. This isn't just about eating insects, seasoned or not, but about the insects that make something for their own use that we have been able to figure out ways of harvesting and using as well. We talk honey, carmine, and more!

In addition, today we honor Bradon Coy of Lil' Dudes Insect Academy. Bradon has sadly left us, but his impact and dreams remain. If you have the means, you can honor his legacy by visiting https://www.lildudesinsectacademy.com/memorial and making a donation.