Bug Note Episode 29: Citizen Scientist Ted Fridirici

Entomology, the study of insects, brings together bug enthusiasts from all walks of life. Since bugs are all around us, studying them is a great way to get involved in science! Ted Fridirici is a great example of this. As a citizen scientist and dear friend of the Museum, his love of bugs has led to adventurous pursuits and sparked dreams of a bug-focused podcast. On this week’s episode of Bug Note, he’s here to chat all about it. Host Daniel Potter also welcomes NHMU’s Invertebrate Collections Manager Christy Bills to the show. Together, Potter, Bills, and Fridirici chat about how loving bugs can lead to exciting and impactful things. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.

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Ted Fridirici grew up with the freedom to explore his neighborhood, including the meadows and cornfields nearby. Naturally, this brought him face to face with interesting plants, birds, bugs, and more. Day in and day out, he was exploring, observing, and appreciating wonders of the natural world. 

These experiences became foundational, with his love of nature growing more year after year. For example, Fridirici began his own insect collection thanks to a school project, and you could say he dove in at 150 percent. What resulted was a stunning private collection, custom cases made by his dad, and a passion for helping others see the beauty of insects. 

This collection led Fridirici to the Natural History Museum of Utah, where he connected with Bills about donating it. Fridirici had taken extreme care to pin his specimens accurately, recording data and labeling appropriately, making his collection valuable for future researchers. These practices were impressive to Bills, and the two bug lovers gave his collection a new home at NHMU.

As a friend of the Museum, Fridirici has supported NHMU in more ways than one, even assisting in the safe, cross-country transportation of 2,500 moths. He also helped develop this podcast with the desire to help others fall in love with the natural world as he did. His story is a fantastic reminder that anyone can participate in science, and NHMU is grateful for the inspiration and support he provided for Bug Note. We hope his story inspires others to discover beauty in the wiggly, wild world of insects. 

Bug Note on YouTube 

Check out the extended version of the 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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