Leafminers tunnel between the outer layers of leaves, leaving silvery trails and agricultural chaos in their wake. Guest entomologist Alejandra Rocha joins the show to talk ancient insect graffiti, modern crop threats, and the surprisingly artistic evidence of Earth’s oldest infestation.

As the western U.S. bakes under record heat, some insects are showing us how to thrive where most life wilts. From fire-chasing beetles to poison-munching caterpillars, meet the bugs built for extremes.

It's Halloween in August. In this episode we focus on the difference between parasites, parasitoids, and outright predators, and give plenty of possibly creepy examples of each. Cover image of bombardier beetle by Reiner Richter.

Parasites vs. parasitoids: Seems like just a suffix but actually, the difference is deadly. UCR entomologist John Heraty joins the show to discuss some of the stranger parasitoids he studies.

What do dragonfly nymphs, death’s-head moths, and Alien’s Xenomorph have in common? In this episode we explore the real-life insect mouthparts that are stranger, and sometimes scarier, than science fiction.

Do you know who - or what - might be swimming alongside you this summer? Listen in and find out!

Gardens specially designed for pollinators are more important than ever as insects face an apocalypse. UCR entomology professor Erin Wilson Rankin offers tips for starting a pollinator paradise of any size.

In entomology, your credentials matter less than your careful observations. Even Napoleon's aide-de-camp stopped in the middle of a battle to collect beetles for observation. Want to be a leading authority on an insect you love? Tune in, and roll up your sleeves.

Think discovering a new species is rare? Think again. UCR entomologist and show co-host Doug Yanega reveals why naming a new insect might be easier than spotting a squirrel — and how deserts, microhabitats, and UV lights make all the difference. Come for the science. Stay for the midnight bug trapping in the mountains.

What can a fly tell us about a crime scene? In this episode, UC Riverside entomologist Alec Gerry explains how insects can help investigators reconstruct what really happened when a person or an animal has died under suspicious circumstances. Learn how forensic entomology turns life cycles into timelines — and maggots into expert witnesses.