Bug Bites

Watch Bug Bites

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Bug Bites is a nature documentary TV series that airs on Smithsonian Earth since 2018. Each episode is directed towards showcasing the life and behavior of some of the most intriguing, unusual and creepy crawlers that we share our world with. The show is hosted by Haley Chamberlain Nelson who takes the viewers on a thrilling journey into the world of bugs, and throughout the episodes, we get to learn more about these tiny creatures and what they do to survive.

The show features vivid and high-quality visuals of the insects, bees, spiders, worms, and other invertebrates that we often tend to overlook or ignore. The show is highly educational, entertaining, and very engaging, with each of the episodes bringing new insights into the fascinating and extraordinary world of bugs.

One of the most captivating things about Bug Bites is how it brings us closer to the tiniest animals that share our planet. Haley Chamberlain Nelson presents the information in an understandable and captivating manner, which makes the show very appealing to both adults and children alike.

In the show, Haley explores the world of bugs with a sense of awe and wonder, and as she observes these creatures, we as viewers are equally awestruck. Haley examines the insects with a keen eye, without fear, and gives the audience a glimpse of their fascinating behavior.

We get to learn that insects are not just simple creatures with no intelligence, but they have complex interactions that can surprise you. Bug Bites shows the sheer number of insects in the world and how they interconnect. Viewers are also made aware of how much insects contribute to our ecosystem, as predators, pollinators, and decomposers among other functions.

In each episode, Haley shows how insects have to adapt to their unique habitats to survive. For instance, in one of the episodes, we see how spiders have adapted to different climates and how they use different tactics to catch their prey, with some of them being highly risky. We also learn about new species of insects that may not have been discovered before.

One of the notable things is the use of slow-motion cinematography that is very effective in revealing the detailed movements and behavior of the insects. The quality of the footage is exceptional, and even the tiniest details of the insects are vividly captured.

As the episodes progress, we learn about bugs that we may have had a wrong perception of, such as bees, which despite their buzzing, aggressive behavior, are essential for our world as pollinators. Haley also introduces us to insects that have so far not been fully studied like the whip scorpion whose venom is only just starting to be researched.

Throughout the series, Haley's delivers natural commentary, and her passion is evident as she goes about showcasing and educating us on the lives of insects. Her commentary is rich in interesting details and facts, and she draws comparisons with the human world.

At each episode's close, Haley wraps up the wildlife journey with a summary of the featured insects' behavior, habitat, and importance in the environment. The show leaves us with an appreciation of the tiny creatures that make up the world's ecosystems.

Overall, Bug Bites is an excellent nature series for anyone interested in learning more about our vast and diverse world of bugs. The show is informative, entertaining, and delivers everything one could want from a nature series. If you are a fan of nature programming, like to understand animal behavior or just plain curious, then Bug Bites is a must-watch.

Bug Bites is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 27, 2018 and on Smithsonian Earth

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Seasons
Tarantula Tempura
6. Tarantula Tempura
August 27, 2018
Tarantulas might be one of the toughest bug food pitches yet, but in the right hands, they're a treat you don't want to pass up. Join chef David George Gordon as he treats us to his patented tarantula tempura, and generously shares his recipe with anyone brave enough to try it!
Scorpion Snacks
5. Scorpion Snacks
August 27, 2018
Scorpions are not for the faint of heart, but when they're dried and cured in the right hands, such as those of famed Brooklyn chef Joseph Yoon, they can also be pretty tasty. He's prepared a delightful scorpion frittata, and our intrepid host Haley Chamberlain-Nelson was stung... by how tasty it was!
Grasshopper Tacos
4. Grasshopper Tacos
August 27, 2018
Ancient Aztecs ate insects as a regular part of their diet. Even present-day Mexicans from the Oaxaca region enjoy chapulines, a type of grasshopper. Since the proof is in the pudding, we enlisted famed Washington, DC chef Omar Rodriguez to prepare it for us. He even threw in a bug-based cocktail.
Wok-Fried Wax Worms
3. Wok-Fried Wax Worms
August 27, 2018
Everyone loves honey, none more so than the wax worm, who feeds on it and tastes all the sweeter for it. Famed chef David George Gordon has included the larvae in a stir-fry that's both sweet and scrumptious, and an instant hit with our skeptical host. He's generously provided the recipe, so only one question remains: Is there a wax worm dinner party coming your way soon?
Mealworm Popover and Tapenade
2. Mealworm Popover and Tapenade
August 27, 2018
Insects might not look appetizing, but put the visuals aside and you'll be surprised by the flavor and nutrition they pack. After all, 30% of the world's population regularly consumes insects. One believer is Brooklyn chef Joseph Yoon, and his mealworm popover and tapenade recipe might just bring you over to the bug side.
Cricket Cookies
1. Cricket Cookies
August 27, 2018
At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, more than 100,000 crickets are brought in every week to feed the animals who live there--a particular favorite of golden lion tamarins. They're also the vital ingredient in cricket flour, a nutrient-rich food source packed with protein. Join host Haley Chamberlain-Nelson as she bakes and samples cookies made from this superfood.
Description
Where to Watch Bug Bites
Bug Bites is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Earth website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Bug Bites on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    August 27, 2018