When “bugs” need heroes: Using unconventional outreach to engage the public

Public engagement informs the public about what their tax dollars fund, improving transparency and potentially increasing support for future funding. Engaging a broader public can also reduce barriers that prevent historically marginalized communities from accessing science and help them see themselves and their priorities within scientific endeavors. For less appealing species, science communication can alter hearts and minds, providing public support for changes in legislation that may protect these species. Unfortunately, most arthropods are seen as unappealing despite frequent media reports on the worrying consequences of their drastic declines. By speaking at comic conventions and on our podcast, my colleagues and I have been working to change the public’s mind about species that make them uncomfortable. At comic conventions, we have created a panel talk where we compare superheroes /villains to their animal or plant analog. For example, when discussing Spider-Man and his “spidey senses,” we describe how spiders sense their environments and how that matches up to Peter Parker’s abilities. Our approach has helped reduce some audience repulsion and sparked newfound interest. On our podcast, we discuss a different “bug” every episode and design a new superhero/villain based on the “bug’s” abilities and life cycle. We have chosen species often thought of as nuisances, such as yellowjackets, to spotlight their more positive and interesting features to foster an interest beyond eradication. This talk will present our approach, the impacts, and takeaways for other researchers who are interested in doing their own public engagement.