Science Weekly ‘Parasites should get more fame’: the nominees for world’s finest invertebrate
7 snips
Apr 3, 2025 Patrick Barkham, a Guardian nature writer renowned for his insights on invertebrates, dives into the world of overlooked critters. He discusses the ongoing poll for the world’s finest invertebrate, shining a spotlight on creatures like the fen raft spider and the tongue-biting louse. Barkham emphasizes the ecological significance of these unsung heroes and shares powerful stories from readers advocating for their favorites. The conversation highlights the resilience of these tiny beings and their vital roles in our ecosystems.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Importance of Invertebrates
- Invertebrates are crucial for maintaining life on Earth, yet they are often overlooked.
- They play vital roles as ecosystem engineers, pollinators, soil creators, and ocean cleaners.
Fen Raft Spider
- The fen raft spider, a rare UK spider, is a remarkable predator.
- It can walk on water, dive underwater, and prey on dragonflies and small fish.
Fen Raft Spider Conservation
- The fen raft spider was nearly extinct in Britain but has recovered thanks to conservation efforts.
- Ecologist Dr. Helen Smith bred thousands of spiderlings and reintroduced them into the wild.