Bug Bytes
As described by Edward O. Wilson — perhaps the best known American biologist, researcher, naturalist and author — invertebrates are "The Little Things That Run the World." And indeed they do, in so many ways. In terms of numbers — while most invertebrates are pretty small, the sheer number of them is astounding. Together, they have more biomass than any other animal on earth.Learn more about the fascinating creatures that run the world, with Bug Bytes from the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 2 minutes
- Episodes
- 24
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Titan Beetles
There are over 400,000 known species of beetles in the world. So when you’re considered one of the largest, that’s really saying something.
00:02:26 |
Mon 15 Sep 2025
At 3 inches in length, Giant Salmonflies are hard to miss
If you’ve ever been along a river, and fortunate to catch the peak of the Giant Salmonfly hatch, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
00:02:24 |
Mon 04 Aug 2025
A dragonfly can experience gravitational forces of up to 9-Gs!
But their speed, agility, and tendency for in-flight dining come with some worrisome risks. But it’s nothing to lose their heads over …or is it?
00:02:24 |
Mon 28 Jul 2025
Orchid Bees
A male Orchid Bee can’t rely on his good looks when looking for a mate. For success, he depends on his own brand of home-made perfume.
00:02:20 |
Mon 21 Jul 2025
Bullet Ants
Introducing, the Bullet Ant, so named because its sting is supposedly as painful as being shot. It’s considered to have the most painful of all insect stings.
00:02:22 |
Fri 13 Jun 2025
Atlas Moth
In addition to their impressive size, Atlas Moths are known for their extraordinary wing markings, especially at their wingtips. Incredibly, the patterns mimic the profile of a cobra’s head, a way to…
00:02:14 |
Fri 06 Jun 2025
Giraffe Weevil
Using their necks like a long lever, males will battle other males over a female. But rather than simply engaging in neck-to-neck combat, males will perform elaborate dances, involving the swaying of…
00:02:19 |
Fri 30 May 2025
Golden Dung Fly
While the females are pretty dull in color, the appearance of the males might not exactly be what you’d expect from an animal that spends its entire life in and around animal poop. They are stunning …
00:02:15 |
Fri 23 May 2025
Trapdoor Spider
Trapdoor spiders build tube-like tunnels into the ground. In order to hide the opening of their home, they construct a lid (hinged on one side) that’s made of spider silk mixed in with the soil and v…
00:02:06 |
Fri 16 May 2025
Camouflaged Looper
Without coloration or a body shape that helps them blend into their environment, these caterpillars have developed an ingenious way to try and disappear. They decorate themselves with carefully cut p…
00:02:21 |
Sat 03 May 2025
Acorn Weevil
Fuzzy, light brown in color, and with a snout looking like Pinocchio went on a fibbing spree, the Acorn Weevil has a comical appearance.
00:02:14 |
Sat 09 Nov 2024
Bumblebees
For most insects, getting a meal relies on their foraging or hunting abilities. Bumblebees certainly fall into that category. However, while they might not be able to grow their own food, they’ve fou…
00:02:10 |
Sat 02 Nov 2024
Confusing Petrophila Moth
The Confusing Petrophila is a moth that instead of laying its eggs on a terrestrial plant, dives into fast moving water (as deep as 15 feet) to lay eggs on algae and aquatic plants for its emerging c…
00:02:14 |
Sat 26 Oct 2024
Giant Velvet Mite
Giant Velvet Mites are arachnids and spend most of their lives underground in the soil or sand, becoming active on the surface after heavy rain …the reason that the monsoon season is a great time of …
00:02:17 |
Sat 19 Oct 2024
Golden Wheel Spiders
Instead of running away, the golden wheel spider has come up with an alternative (and more effective) method to escape the threat of a parasitic wasp that shares its sand dune habitat. It essentially…
00:02:08 |
Sat 12 Oct 2024
Olive-Shaded Bird-Dropping Moths
Found all across the United States, the species Ponometia candefacta has evolved to have an unappealing appearance. If you came across it perched on a leaf, you might quickly turn your gaze to someth…
00:02:20 |
Sat 05 Oct 2024
Velvet Ants
While some species are white, creamy, or black in color, most velvet ants are red or orange …a coloration that’s a warning.
00:02:10 |
Sat 28 Sep 2024
Blue Morpho Butterflies
Found in tropical rainforests from Mexico to South America, Blue Morpho Butterflies have a wingspan of 5 to 8 inches. In regard to their appearance, they seem to have a split personality.
00:02:14 |
Fri 27 Sep 2024
Bug Bytes: Woodlice
Pill bugs. Sow bugs. Doodle bugs. Roly-polies. From around the world, there are at least another dozen nicknames for these small animals that are more scientifically referred to as terrestrial isopod…
00:02:14 |
Sat 17 Aug 2024
Pack Hunting Spiders
If you suffer from arachnophobia (the fear of spiders), then hold onto your seat. While the thought of one spider might be terrifying, what about spiders that hunt in packs of hundreds?
00:02:17 |
Sat 08 Jul 2023
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