Episode 85 - Bug Sex!

Whether or not you think bugs (including spiders) are gross or awesome you probably have some bias about these animals. This episode we talk with Dr. Catherine Scott (@Cataranea) about black widows specifically and how our biases influence the way we think about and research species like spiders and bugs more generally. Catherine studies black widow mating strategies and was featured in an upcoming CBC The Nature of Things documentary titled Bug Sex: It's Complicated (@bugsexthedoc). She talks about overcoming a fear of spiders and becoming a araneaologist, i.e., a spider scientist, the amazing ways widow spiders find mates, how environment shapes the evolution and behavior of animals, and the many ways spider misinformation spreads online. Check out Catherine's blog spiderbytes.org and look for Bug Sex the movie March 10 on CBC. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Head to www.twobradforyou.wordpress.com to subscribe to, donate to and follow the show on social media. You can also leave a comment, send an email or voice message. We read/listen to them all and will put them on air. This is your show too so get involved and don't let Brad have all the fun. Don't forget to check out www.newsly.me and download the Newsly app to make the Internet listenable. Stop scrolling and start listening. Use promo code TwoBrad for a 1-month free premium subscription.