Metamorphosis: Jumping fleas and mighty mouthparts

Dr Erica McAlister uncovers a treasure trove of remarkable insects from the humble flea whose jump enables them to fly without wings and the mystery of the hawkmoth’s tongue, whose varying length has offered the simplest and most effective proof of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection in action.

Producer: Dr Adrian Washbourne
Presenter: Dr Erica McAlister

(Photo: Dr Erica McAlister. Credit: Dr Erica McAlister)

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Metamorphosis: Jumping fleas and mighty mouthparts

Discovery

Dr Erica McAlister uncovers a treasure trove of remarkable insects.

Dr Erica McAlister uncovers a treasure trove of remarkable insects from the humble flea whose jump enables them to fly without wings and the mystery of the hawkmoth’s tongue, whose varying length has offered the simplest and most effective proof of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection in action.

Producer: Dr Adrian Washbourne
Presenter: Dr Erica McAlister

(Photo: Dr Erica McAlister. Credit: Dr Erica McAlister)

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27 minutes

Last on

Tue 5 Sep 2023
19:32GMT

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only

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Metamorphosis: Drosophila melanogaster, hoverfly

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