The SciComm Spectre (PHASMIDS)

The SciComm Spectre (PHASMIDS)

From Bugs Need Heroes by BugsNeedHeroes

February 9, 2026 · 60 min · Episode 96

About this episode

Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss the giant Australian prickly walking stick insect and its popularity in zoos and museums.

Amanda and Dr Kelly Z discuss a popular family of insects and one in particular that is very popular in zoos and museums, the giant-australian-prickly-walking-stick-insect (Extatosoma tiaratum). Tangents include Indiana Jones, pirates, and the weather.Bug discussion begins around 9:00 Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/scicomm-spectre Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bugsneedheroes Join us on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BugsNeedHeroes Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad and Camazotz. Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman. Character artwork by Amanda Niday. Music is Ladybug Castle by Rolemusic. Special thanks to Kevin Weiner for sharing his photography and creating the All Bugs Go To Kevin group.

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Niday

Guest: Dr Kelly Z

Topics covered

  • insects
  • entomology
  • family education
  • zoos
  • nature
  • science communication

Keywords

  • giant Australian prickly walking stick insect
  • Extatosoma tiaratum
  • insects
  • zoos
  • museums
  • science communication
  • family education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BugsNeedHeroes

Books & works: Ladybug Castle

Places: Australia, zoos, museums

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