Bug Note Episode 24: All That is Mantis
If you’ve ever been stunned by the beauty of an orchid mantis or mesmerized by the clever camouflage of the Arizona bordered mantis, this episode of Bug Note is for you. There are more than 2,500 known species of mantis around the world, but new ones are consistently being discovered! The state of Utah alone is home to eleven species! Diving into the details about these captivating predators, host Daniel Potter is joined by Jessica Worthen, a research intern here at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.
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As a research assistant at NHMU, Worthen spends much of her time identifying mantises in the NHMU Entomology Collections, a process which takes considerable time and effort. It isn’t as simple as just looking at bugs. Worthen references research literature, examines specimens under a microscope, counts the tiny spines on their arms, chats with researchers around the world, and translates documents that are hundreds of years old into English.
The work can be difficult, but it’s satisfying and Worthen loves doing it.
Through her research efforts, she’s learned a lot about the history of mantis research. The first mantis species was described in the mid-1700s, and Worthen's favorite depiction of a mantis is from hand-carved block print dated to 1773 — years before the United States of America became a country.
The entomological study of these curious-looking creatures has been going on for hundreds of years, but there’s still so much more to learn! Not only are new species being discovered often, but thanks to genetic analysis, the entire taxonomic classification of mantises is being reorganized! Indeed, it is a fascinating time to be a mantis researcher!
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.
Authors
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By Olivia Barney
Olivia serves as NHMU’s Marketing Copywriter/Coordinator, where she collaborates across departments to craft engaging stories that help bring groundbreaking research projects to life. She might be the Oxford comma’s number one fan.
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By Jason Cryan, Ph.D.
Areas of Expertise • Museum administration and leadership • Evolutionary biology • Entomology • Plant-feeding insects of the Order Hemiptera • Planthoppers, spittlebugs, treehoppers Background Jason Cryan, Ph.D., serves as the fourth executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. With its rich, 50-year history as the most important natural history museum in America’s...
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By Dan Potter
Daniel Potter is a science writer and audio producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's reported for Nashville Public Radio and KQED in San Francisco, and has appeared on Science Friday and PBS NewsHour. He's also written for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of his writing appears in the 2023 book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.
