Entomology (INSECTS) with Lila Higgins

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: This Ologies episode features entomologist Leela Higgins discussing why bugs matter, how citizen science helps research, and how her path from a Hari Krishna upbringing and an inspirational teacher led to a career in museums and insect conservation. The conversation blends bug biology, public education, pest management, and the value of engaging non-scientists in data collection.

Main Topics: Leela Higgins’ path into entomology (Priority: 5/5): Higgins explains growing up curious about insects, losing that focus in adolescence, then rediscovering science through an encouraging teacher and university training, eventually moving into museum work and science communication. Citizen science and democratizing research (Priority: 5/5): A major theme is how public participation in projects like iNaturalist, Zooniverse, and museum-led surveys expands scientific capacity, improves biodiversity data, and makes science less mysterious and more accessible. Insect biology and behavior (Priority: 4/5): The episode covers insect anatomy and ecology, including wings, legs, spiracles, ovipositors, social vs. solitary behavior, and the enormous diversity of insects compared with other animals. Bug control, biocontrol, and museum care (Priority: 4/5): Higgins describes using parasitoid wasps as biological control against glassy-winged sharpshooters and discusses integrated pest management to protect museum collections from destructive insects like carpet beetles. Changing public attitudes toward bugs (Priority: 4/5): The host and guest argue that bugs are unfairly demonized, that many are harmless or beneficial, and that curiosity, education, and hands-on encounters can replace fear with appreciation. Edible insects and future food systems (Priority: 3/5): The conversation touches on entomophagy, including eating crickets, mealworms, and other insects, and why insect protein may become more important because it is resource-efficient compared with traditional meat.

Key Arguments: Bugs are extraordinarily diverse and under-studied, so more entomologists and public observers are needed to document and protect them. Citizen science is a practical way to democratize data and involve the public in real research, from backyard traps to galaxy classification online. Many insects that people fear are ecologically important, behaviorally complex, or beneficial to humans, such as parasitoid wasps used for pest management. Scientific careers can emerge from unexpected places; mentorship and volunteering can radically change a person’s trajectory. Public fear of insects often comes from misunderstanding, while direct observation and education can make bugs feel less alien. Insect-based food may be part of the future because insects provide protein and micronutrients with far less land use than livestock. Museum and collection management depend on insect knowledge, especially for preventing damage from pests like carpet beetles.

Data Points: Estimated insect species: about 1 million described species - Higgins notes the number of formally described insect species Estimated total insect species: up to 10 million - She says actual insect diversity may be far higher than currently described Museum fly discoveries: 42-43 species - Brian Brown is described as having discovered roughly 42 or 43 forward fly species in Los Angeles through citizen science Malaise trap alcohol concentration: 95% alcohol by volume - The trap’s collecting jar is described as containing ethanol; the host compares it to Everclear Insect body size limit today: about the size of a fist - Higgins says the largest insects in the current climate are around fist-sized Giant dragonfly wingspan: about a foot-long wingspan - She references prehistoric giant dragonflies as an example of much larger past insects Fairy wasp size: 1 to 2 millimeters long - The parasitoid wasps used in biological control are described as extremely tiny Human body microbiome claim: about 90% of cells are other creatures - The host states that most cells associated with a person are microbes and mites rather than human cells Public engagement cadence: every Friday night for about 100 years - The Lorquin Entomological Society is described as meeting weekly for a century

Pivotal Quotes: "God has an inordinate fondness for beetles." — Allie Ward (quoting J.B.S. Haldane): Used to emphasize the extraordinary diversity and abundance of beetles "Citizen science is a way to democratize science." — Leela Higgins: Defines the broader purpose of public participation in research "I’m a bug geek." — Leela Higgins: Her self-description at a cocktail party when asked what she does

Implications: The episode encourages listeners to see insects as vital, fascinating, and useful, while showing that public participation can strengthen science. It also suggests that future conservation, pest control, and even food systems may depend more on bug knowledge.