Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Jan 07 2025 33 ep. 38 mins 99

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society Podcast artwork

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of invertebrates and discover how to help these extraordinary animals.

The Xerces Society is a nationwide non-profit organization that works to conserve invertebrates and their habitats.

For more information go to xerces.org.

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The Power of Policy: Insect Protection Through State Authority

Jan 07 2025 35 mins

In one of our first episodes we spoke with Sarina Jepsen, the director of our Endangered Species team, about what it means for a species to be federally listed, specifically through the Endangered Species Act. However, species can also be listed through individual states, but not all states are the same, and some states don’t have legislation to protect insects. It is an interest

The Secret Lives of San Diego Zoo Insects

Dec 17 2024 42 mins

Many of us likely have childhood memories of a zoo visit: gibbons swinging above us, lions pacing, a polar bear taking a plunge. Zoos also can play an important role in conservation, particularly for insects. One example is the work done at the San Diego Zoo to help invertebrates by solving mysteries about their habitat and life cycle needs, in some cases bringing back species on t

Buzzing Together: The Bumble Bee Atlas and the Power of Community Science

Dec 03 2024 31 mins

Community science is critical to conservation efforts and the Bumble Bee Atlas is no exception. Volunteers across the country have contributed to the Atlas program through bumble bee surveys, providing crucial information on bumble bee abundance and distribution. This information informs conservation efforts and makes a real difference.To tell us more about the Bumble Bee Atlas are

Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Life's Journey from Water to the Sky

Nov 19 2024 45 mins

When we see a dragonfly, we normally see adults, which are capable of impressive aerobatics and have astonishing eyesight. Yet these fearsome aerial predators began life underwater, and when they undergo the transformation from nymph to adult they also change from water to air. Dragonflies truly are amazing! Joining us to talk about these incredible animals is Dr. Jessica Ware from

Revival of the Fender's Blue Butterfly: A Conservation Story

Nov 05 2024 45 mins

We all love a success story and what better tale to tell than the one about the Fender’s blue? Once thought extinct, this butterfly was rediscovered 35 years ago, since when it has made a comeback thanks to hard work by dedicated scientists, land owners, agency staff, and many others.To tell us this story of hope, we are joined today by two people whose long-time collaboration ha

Mysteries of the Moth: More Than Meets the Eye

Oct 15 2024 43 mins

Moths are largely creatures of the night, which means they may not get as much publicity as their day-flying relative, butterflies. Moths are more diverse than butterflies, probably more abundant, and most certainly play a key role in the natural world. Honestly, moths are some of the coolest insects and we are excited to highlight them in today’s episode.Joining us to talk about

Bugs and Birds: Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day

Oct 01 2024 34 mins

October 12th is World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. This year's theme for the campaign is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” underscoring the importance of invertebrates to migratory birds. Xerces is also, for the first time, an official partner in World Migratory

Spider Sense Part 2: Unraveling the Secrets of Arachnids

Sep 17 2024 43 mins

Join us for part two of our exciting conversation on spiders with Sebastian Echeverri, Communications Specialist in Science & Digital Media for the Xerces Society. Sebastian completed his PhD, studying why and how paradise jumping spiders get their audience's attention when pulling off their fanciest dance moves. He has also written a field guide for spiders and has a collectio

Spider Sense Part 1: Unraveling the Secrets of Arachnids

Sep 03 2024 32 mins

Spiders. There is a lot that people don't know about these interesting creatures. What makes them unique and what role do they play in our environment? Joining us today to talk about spiders, is Sebastian Echeverri, Communications Specialist in Science & Digital Media for the Xerces Society. Sebastian completed his PhD, studying why and how paradise jumping spiders get their au

Bee City and Bee Campus USA: Protecting Pollinators One Community at a Time

Aug 20 2024 35 mins

An important element in the success of pollinator conservation efforts is communities of passionate people taking action. Today we will highlight one Xerces Society program that is helping people to do just that, Bee City USA. Established in 2012, Bee City has been uniting communities around a shared goal of creating meaningful change for pollinators through policy change, habitat