Bug Note Episode 20: Nicole Parish's Favorite Bugs (and the One That Changed Her Mind)

Nicole Parish has a lot of favorite bugs, but that doesn’t mean she immediately loves every bug that crosses her path. On this episode of Bug Note, Parish joins host Daniel Potter to discuss her favorite insects, along with a few surprising facts that might just change the way you think about bugs. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version. 

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One of the first insects to capture Parish’s imagination was the Polyphemus moth, one of North America's largest moth species with a wingspan that can reach six inches. She still has the very first specimen she ever received, found by her brother on a camping trip. Despite their impressive size, adult Polyphemus moths live only about two weeks because they don't have functioning mouths or digestive systems. Wild, right? 

But not every favorite started as a favorite. 

Parish admits she wasn't always a fan of mosquitoes. That changed after she raised one as a child and learned more about its life cycle — the learning gave way to love. And while mosquitoes are infamous for spreading disease, Parish points out that only females of certain species feed on blood. Male mosquitoes are pollinators, helping pollinate cocoa flowers and contributing to the production of chocolate. 

Among the many treasures in Parish’s insect collection are cicadas from around the world, as well as a rare white monarch butterfly. This unique specimen gets its color from a genetic mutation; she received the specimen from an entomologist studying the genetics behind the unusual coloration. 

Parish also shares one of her favorite insect facts: male cicadas make their unmistakable calls by rapidly flexing a ribbed membrane called a tymbal up to 400 times per second. Hollow chambers in their abdomen amplify the sound, allowing some species to exceed 100 decibels — which is louder than a chainsaw. 

Whether she's talking about giant moths, misunderstood mosquitoes, or deafening cicadas, Parish's enthusiasm is contagious. Her passion is a reminder that every insect has a story worth discovering, and sometimes, all it takes is pausing to get a closer look.

Bug Note on YouTube 

Check out the extended conversation on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive notice of upcoming episodes. 

About Bug Note

Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.

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