Bug Note Episode 8: EVERYWHERE
About Episode 8
Bugs are everywhere — in your house, on your clothes, and even in your belly button. Most of these little critters are too small to see with the naked eye, but they’re there, living their little bug lives.
In this episode of Bug Note, host Daniel Potter chats with professor of applied ecology and self-proclaimed “belly buttonologist” Rob Dunn, Ph.D. Together, they explore the many unexpected places bugs reside. (On Bug Note, we define “bugs” loosely, as we discuss in our first episode.) Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.
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Our skin is crawling with tiny, exploding mites. Yes, you read that right. At least two species of mites live on our faces. These critters have functioning mouth parts, meaning they can eat, but they don’t have a way to get rid of waste from their systems. They simply eat until they’re full and then… well, they explode.
Though the idea of bugs on our skin might feel unsettling, you’re unlikely to ever notice that they’re there. They’ve evolved with us for as long as we’ve been around, and most of the time, they’re just living peacefully, doing their thing.
These mites can occasionally be found inside belly buttons too — along with many species of bacteria. In fact, your belly button is a whole microcosm of life that helps protect you against harmful pathogens.
Beyond the bugs on our skin, Dunn and his research group study the insects in our homes. He’s interested in the variety and quantity of bugs living in an average home, as well as how domestic animals (like dogs or cats) influence the biodiversity in our homes.
Generally speaking, each animal you bring into your home will bring other species with it. (Remember, even humans are crawling with other critters.) When you bring a pet home, and even when you open your windows for fresh air, you’re changing those dynamics.
In the end, none of us lives alone. We’re a multi-species consortium — and that’s a good thing. Our domestic lives are diverse wildernesses, but unless we’re willing to look closely, we’ll miss out on the beauty of it.
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.
Episode 8 at a Glance
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 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.
