Literary Hub » insects

On Zombie Ants, Parasitic Fungus, and the Violent Legacy of Anti-Blackness

On Zombie Ants, Parasitic Fungus, and the Violent Legacy of Anti-Blackness

Maria Pinto Considers the Striking Parallels Between the Human and the Natural Worlds

By Maria Pinto | October 31, 2025

In Praise of Poetry About Bugs

In Praise of Poetry About Bugs

Hannah Brooks-Motl on Insect Verses by John Clare, William Blake, David Seung, and More

By Hannah Brooks-Motl | June 2, 2025

When Bees Discover the Scientists Who Dedicated Their Lives to Studying Them

When Bees Discover the Scientists Who Dedicated Their Lives to Studying Them

From Peter Kuper’s Illustrated Natural History, “Insectopolis”

By Peter Kuper | May 16, 2025

How to Pay Attention: On the Value of Stillness and Silence in All Seasons

How to Pay Attention: On the Value of Stillness and Silence in All Seasons

Margaret Renkl Encourages Us to Explore the Wild, Wonderful World of Our Backyards

By Margaret Renkl | September 23, 2024

Solving the Mystery of the Dancing Honey Bees

Solving the Mystery of the Dancing Honey Bees

Thomas D. Seeley Demystifies the Way Bees Collect Nectar For Their Hives

By Thomas D. Seeley | May 17, 2024

5 great bug books to read while you’re hiding from the cicada explosion.

5 great bug books to read while you’re hiding from the cicada explosion.

By James Folta | May 15, 2024

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Books of the Week

Secrets in Amber: How Trees Help Preserve Essential Prehistory

By Daniel Lewis | March 14, 2024

By Steve Nicholls | August 18, 2023

Who. That. It. How We Speak About and For Animals

By Keggie Carew | July 19, 2023

“No Bees, No Food.” How Insects Help Farmers With Their Harvest

“No Bees, No Food.” How Insects Help Farmers With Their Harvest

Louise Gray on New and Unexpected Innovations in Modern Farming

By Louise Gray | April 21, 2023

How Wasps Are Less Bothersome—And More Beautiful—Than We Think

How Wasps Are Less Bothersome—And More Beautiful—Than We Think

Seirian Sumner on the Science Behind Wasp Stings

By Seirian Sumner | July 25, 2022

Put Down That Flyswatter: Why We Need Flies to Exist

Put Down That Flyswatter: Why We Need Flies to Exist

Oliver Milman on Our Great Debt to Insects

By Oliver Milman | March 14, 2022

How to Help the Environment—and Yourself—by Fostering Insect-Friendly Habitats

How to Help the Environment—and Yourself—by Fostering Insect-Friendly Habitats

Dave Goulson on the Many Benefits of Greening Your Surroundings

By Dave Goulson | September 28, 2021

Pesticides, Incendiaries... How US Chemical Companies Endeared Themselves to the Public

Pesticides, Incendiaries... How US Chemical Companies Endeared Themselves to the Public

Frank A. Von Hippel on the Time the "Chemical Warfare Service" Rebranded as the "Chemical Peace Service"

By Frank A. von Hippel | September 25, 2020

Who Were the Geniuses Who First Domesticated the Wild Honey Bee?

Who Were the Geniuses Who First Domesticated the Wild Honey Bee?

Large Baskets and a Whiff of Smoke Went a Long Way

By Thomas D. Seeley | May 24, 2019