Ask A Biologist Podcast

Beetle Mania

February 22, 2022 Dr. Biology talks with neurobiologist Jess Kanwal Episode 112
Beetle Mania
Ask A Biologist Podcast
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Ask A Biologist Podcast
Beetle Mania
Feb 22, 2022 Episode 112
Dr. Biology talks with neurobiologist Jess Kanwal

No, this episode is not about the rock band or the cute German car that people love. This show is about some curious insects that have very different relationships with ants. To be exact, this is about three species of beetles that either battle ants, live close by an ant colony, or in one case inside the ant colony. How and why these species have evolved into these different relationships with ants is part of the research of neurobiologist Jess Kanwal. In this show, Dr. Biology gets the prequel for this story. The two also talk about a familiar insect that communicates by dance. This episode is part of a series of podcasts recorded at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology conference– also called SICB.

Virtual Lab: Beetle Dissection
Learn more: Bee Bonanza
Play the game: Bee Waggle Dance Game

If you have not already, subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Show Notes Chapter Markers

No, this episode is not about the rock band or the cute German car that people love. This show is about some curious insects that have very different relationships with ants. To be exact, this is about three species of beetles that either battle ants, live close by an ant colony, or in one case inside the ant colony. How and why these species have evolved into these different relationships with ants is part of the research of neurobiologist Jess Kanwal. In this show, Dr. Biology gets the prequel for this story. The two also talk about a familiar insect that communicates by dance. This episode is part of a series of podcasts recorded at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology conference– also called SICB.

Virtual Lab: Beetle Dissection
Learn more: Bee Bonanza
Play the game: Bee Waggle Dance Game

If you have not already, subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Intro
Rove Beetles
Defense system
Beetle escape
Beetle grooming
Social beetle species
Tools for studying beetle brains.
Glowing molecules
What has surprised you the most about insect brains?
Three questions
When did you first know you wanted to be a biologist?
What would you be if you were not a biologist?
Advice for young scientists.
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