Smologies #16: INSECTS with Lila Higgins

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: This Smologies episode spotlights entomologist Leela Higgins and the wonder of insects: their diversity, body structure, social behavior, and ecological usefulness. Through playful explanation and personal anecdotes, the conversation argues that bugs are fascinating, abundant, and worth studying—and that engaging with nature, science outreach, and volunteer work can change lives.

Main Topics: Why bugs matter and why they’re fascinating (Priority: 5/5): Allie Ward frames insects as a lifelong obsession and introduces entomology as the study of segmented-bodied animals that vastly outnumber many other animal groups. Leela Higgins’ path into entomology and museum work (Priority: 5/5): Higgins describes growing up in the English countryside, becoming a bug-obsessed kid, and later working at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, where specimen collections fuel her enthusiasm. Biological control and insect “gossip” (Priority: 5/5): The episode explains how some wasps can be used to control pest insects, especially by targeting eggs of the glassy winged sharpshooter to prevent spread of plant diseases. Insect anatomy and adaptations (Priority: 4/5): The discussion covers six-legged body plans, modified legs for jumping or digging, spiracles for breathing, and ovipositors/stingers as insect reproductive structures. Social vs. solitary insects (Priority: 4/5): Higgins explains that not all bees and wasps are social; some are solitary, while honeybees and other eusocial species rely on mostly female worker colonies and drones focused on mating. Changing perceptions of ‘dirty’ bugs (Priority: 4/5): The episode challenges the idea that cockroaches are filthy, emphasizing their grooming behavior and museum care, including a memorable story about licking a cockroach to prove a point. Citizen science and becoming an amateur scientist (Priority: 4/5): Listeners are encouraged to volunteer, join community science programs, and use resources like SciStarter to get involved in collecting data and learning about local nature.

Key Arguments: Insects are extraordinarily abundant and diverse, with described species around one million and estimates reaching ten million. Bug fascination is natural and educational, especially for children, and can be encouraged through hands-on observation and museum experiences. Biological control can reduce pesticide use by using one insect species to suppress another pest species. Not all bees and wasps are social; many are solitary, and social insects often have specialized roles, especially among female workers. Insect anatomy is highly specialized: six legs, breathing through spiracles, and egg-laying structures that can also function as stingers. Cockroaches are often misunderstood; they groom themselves and are not inherently dirty. Volunteering and citizen science can have major personal and professional benefits, including helping career paths and mental health.

Data Points: Described insect species: about 1 million - Higgins notes the number of described insect species worldwide. Estimated insect species: up to 10 million - She says the total number of insect species may be far higher than what has been described. Bug size example: about the size of a fist - Current giant insects such as Goliath beetles and Hercules beetles are described as being fist-sized. Tiny wasp length: 1 to 2 millimeters - Fairy wasps used in biological control are described as extremely small. Museum donation destination: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - The episode’s donation is directed to the museum where Higgins works and where Allie first encountered her. TED Talk title: Learning to Love Nature in a Big City - Mentioned as one of Higgins’ public talks. Career timeline: 8 years later - Allie says she is still doing the CBS show Innovation Nation eight years after being offered the job. Birthday candle advice: 1 candle in a wallet - Allie jokes that she keeps a birthday candle with her in case she encounters someone’s birthday and wishes to help them make a wish.

Pivotal Quotes: "God is just in a shack in the backyard, tinkering over and over, being like, man, cannot get enough of these beetles." — Allie Ward: A humorous riff on the famous Haldane quote about God’s fondness for beetles. "I’ve literally licked a cockroach in front of children before to show them it’s not dirty." — Leela Higgins: Higgins explains a museum outreach moment meant to challenge misconceptions about cockroaches. "Pick weird bugs to study, don’t inhale them, and never, ever, ever feel alone." — Allie Ward: Closing advice summarizing the episode’s theme of curiosity, safety, and connection.

Implications: The episode encourages curiosity about insects, supports nature education and museum outreach, and suggests that citizen science can both advance research and improve personal well-being. It also reframes bugs as ecological allies rather than nuisances.