A collection of political cartoons depicting the Colorado potato beetles, compiled by Tristan McKnight.
Episode highlight: The Colorado potato beetle makes it's way into Soviet children's books and political posters.
Soviet propaganda and the Colorado potato beetle
The Colorado potato beetle became a symbol of anti-American propaganda during World War II. We're joined this week by entomologist Dr. Tristan McKnight, of Arizona State University. He shares how a bug that used to be restricted to central North America, and a crop that came from South America, united in Europe to form an ecological bomb that's still exploding to this day (in his words). Tristan also previously lived in Russia, and we conclude by discussing current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
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A deeper dive: You can read more about Tristan's inspirational insect education efforts here.
Airdate March 09, 2022
The Humans & Wildlife Show, Ep.34
