The Swallowtail Butterfly
In this episode Dr Ian tells the sad tale of one of Britain's most magnificent butterflies, the Swallowtail. If you enjoyed this episode please like, share and subscribe. Thanks for listening!
Jun 28, 2025•4 min
The Bug Tales Podcast
A collection of little tales told by Norfolk's Bug Man, Dr Ian Bedford about the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful bugs of Britain, providing information on the amazing world of bugs and their vital roles in sustaining ecosystems and their biodiversity in our countryside and gardens.
If you have a topic you would like us to cover in future episodes or if you have any general questions please contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford
Thanks for listening!
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Episodes
Bloodsucker Beetles
This week we hear a bit of bug related folklore as Dr Ian tells the tale of the Blood Sucker Beetle. If you enjoy this episode don't forget to like, share and subscribe to help us keep the podcast alive. Thanks for listening!
Jun 21, 2025•3 min
Red Lilly Beetles
This week, Dr Ian Bedford tells the tale of the Red Lilly Beetle and offers advice on how to stop these messy little critters. If you like this episode please like, follow and share for more. Thanks for listening!
Jun 14, 2025•3 min
Conopid Flies
In this episode, Dr Ian tells the sinister and brutal tale of the Conopid Fly. Please like, share and follow for more bug tales!
Jun 07, 2025•3 min
Home Grown Pests
Home grown veg often produces home grown pests. In this episode, The Bug Man gives some advice on how to combat these critters in an ecological friendly way. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, please share, like and subscribe. Thanks for listening!
May 24, 2025•3 min
Tardegrades
In this episode of the podcast, Dr Ian covers the ultimate survivor of the insect world- The Tardegrade. If you enjoyed this episode please share, like and subscribe. Thanks for listening!
May 18, 2025•3 min
Garden Slugs
Friend or foe? In this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast we join Dr Ian to learn about the slugs we often find lurking around our gardens. Thanks for listening!
Apr 23, 2025•4 min
Ectoparasites
Ticks, lice, fleas and mites! In this slightly gruesome episode of The Bug Tales Podcast we focus on Ectoparasites. Thanks for listening!
Apr 13, 2025•4 min
Cabbage Bomb Aphids
The Cabbage Aphid has a secret survival weapon. Hear all about it on this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast with Dr Ian Bedford
Apr 05, 2025•4 min
Ultraviolet Light
This week on the podcast the bug man is talking UV light and its effect on the insect world.
Mar 22, 2025•3 min
Silverfish
Join Dr Ian as he talks about the fascinating 'Silverfish' bugs which can often be seen in and around our homes.
Mar 16, 2025•3 min
Home Grown Veg
This week on the podcast Dr Ian will be talking about garden bugs, how they contribute to our garden ecosystems and how they can be managed.
Mar 12, 2025•3 min
The Orange-tip Butterfly
Dr Ian is back just in time for Spring with this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast! This episode is dedicated to the Orange-tip butterfly. We hope you enjoy!
Mar 05, 2025•3 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Marvellous Fruit Flies
In this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast, Dr Ian tells the tale of the marvellous but pesky fruit flies often seen hovering around our over ripe banana's. If you like this episode you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford. Thanks for listening!
Jun 10, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Leaf Rolling Sawflies
If you're wondering who's rolling up the rose leaves at this time of year then take a listen to this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. If you like this episode you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford. Thanks for listening!
Jun 01, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Britain's Nature Recovery
Dr Ian Bedford talks ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. If you like this episode you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford. Thanks for listening!
May 25, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Froghoppers
In this episode Dr Ian tells the fascinating tale of the Froghopper. If you liked this episode you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford. Thanks for listening!
May 19, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Noctuid Moths
The Noctuid's are a diverse family of moths that can detect the ultrasonic calls of predatory bats. Listed to their fascinating tale in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
May 11, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Sentient Animals
Are invertebrates more intelligent than we give them credit for? Dr Ian covers the topic in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
May 03, 2024•4 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Invasive Insects
Red Lilly Beetles, Harlequin Ladybirds and Tree Bumblebees, Dr Ian talks about invasive insect species in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Apr 28, 2024•4 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Farming Insects
With our global population rapidly increasing, Dr Ian discusses the topic of using insects as a food source. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Apr 21, 2024•4 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies
The small tortoiseshell is in decline as Britain's temperate climate gets warmer. Could it soon be lost forever? The Bug Man tells the tale of this iconic butterfly on this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Apr 18, 2024•4 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Black Bean Aphids
Often referred to as Blackfly, the Black Bean Aphid is one of the most common aphids that we see in our gardens, Dr Ian tells us its interesting tale in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Apr 14, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Spring Aphids
With Spring well underway we're seeing fresh new leaves and flowers appearing in the garden along with the appearance of this vital food source which sits at the bottom of the food chain. Should we eradicate these garden pests or leave them be? The Bug Man gives his insight on this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrI...
Apr 11, 2024•4 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Charles Darwin and the Earthworms
Are Earthworms intelligent? Charles Darwin thought they might be. Dr Ian tells us the story in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Apr 07, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Bee Flies
In this episode, the bug man tells the tale of the weird, wonderful and yet dastardly Bee Fly. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Mar 31, 2024•3 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Narcissus Bulb Flies
A likely cause of non-flowering Daffodils is The Narcissus Bulb Fly. Listen to this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast as Dr Ian tells us more. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Mar 26, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Earwigs
Earwigs are beneficial insects that have become harder to find in our gardens over recent years so why do we call them plant pests? and why did our ancestors fear them? Dr Ian tells us the story in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!...
Mar 17, 2024•3 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Brimstone Butterflies
Welcome to The Bug Tales Podcast! Join Dr Ian Bedford in this episode as we hear the tale of the glorious Brimstone Butterfly, which is interestingly never seen resting with its wings wide open. Tell us what you think of the podcast by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listening!
Mar 12, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Stridulation
The act of producing sound by rubbing together certain body parts is known as Stridulation, and can be heard from many different species throughout the insect world. Learn all about it in this episode of The Bug Tales Podcast. Tell us what you think of the podcast and any topics you might like us to cover in future episodes by following this link: bit.ly/BugTalesRequests Alternatively you can contact us at TheBugTalesPodcast@gmail.com or follow Dr Ian on Twitter @DrIanBedford Thanks for listenin...
Mar 01, 2024•3 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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