INSECTS

The Best Streaming Videos on Insects

What do Meryl Streep, Reading Rainbow, and the French all have in common? They all love bugs, apparently. This offering of free streaming videos on Netflix and Amazon explores the world of insects—just in time, as an early freeze in much of the nation is surely killing off many of the creepy-crawly critters. Enjoy!

  • 2949000449731_p0_v2_s260x420

    Netflixpic 

    DisneyNature: Wings of Life

    Full of intrigue, drama, and beauty, this mesmerizing documentary looks at bats, butterflies, hummingbirds and bees—increasingly endangered little creatures that a third of the world’s food supply depends on. Meryl Streep narrates.

    Length: 80 minutes

    Rating: G

  • 413S6EKWE1L

    Netflixpic

    Microcosmos

    Employing unique microscopic cameras and powerful specialized microphones, this highly praised French documentary is a fascinating look at the seldom-explored world of insects and other minute creatures as they go about their daily lives. With footage of ladybugs feasting and snails mating to a mystical score by composer Bruno Coulais, the film won five César Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Music.

    Length: 75 minutes

    Rating: G

  • insects3

    Amazonpic

    Camouflage & Defense in the Insect World

    Be amazed at the variety of ways insects have developed to protect themselves. Several methods are shown, including camouflage, warning colors, and mimicking the shape of an imposter.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • reading_rainbow1

    Amazonpic

    Reading Rainbow Collection, Episode 10: Bugs

    With microorganisms under his belt, LeVar now goes on the lookout for insects.

    Length: 30 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • 23423L

    Amazonpic

    Bees: Social or Solitary Insects?

    This program compares social bees with solitary bees. Bumblebees are shown gathering pollen and making their nests and viewed in contrast with honeybees. Students will learn the different roles that bumblebees have in their societies.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • 23440L

    Amazonpic

    Praying Mantis: Insect Predator

    One of the fiercest hunters in the insect world is the praying mantis. This insect has a unique adaptation for hiding in its environment and catching prey. Baby mantises hatch out of their nest looking like miniature adults.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • 23429L

    Amazonpic

    Dragonflies: A Complete Insect Life Cycle

    The development of the dragonfly is shown as it emerges from its exoskeleton, patrols its territory, and finds a mate. Watch as this fierce hunter catches a tadpole and as the female dragonfly lays her eggs, before getting eaten by a frog.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • insects8

    Amazonpic

    Crickets: Territorial Insects

    Crickets are shown finding food, communicating, and defending their territory. Mole crickets are also shown in more detail, adapting to their unique underground environment and just as fiercely territorial as their aboveground cousins.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • 61B66MsKHjL._SX215_

    Amazonpic

    Garden Travels: The Salvia Garden and the San Fran Insect Zoo

    Dave travels to visit with garden author Betsy Clebsch and explores her fabulous Salvia Garden. Then Dave is off to the City by the Bay for some hands-on fun with creepy-crawly bugs at the San Francisco Insect Zoo.

    Length: 23 minutes

    Rating: NR

  • 51kYlEaC-JL._SX215_

    Amazonpic

    Insect Adaptations for Water

    Water striders, stick insects, and whirligigs are three insects that have developed unique adaptations for life in and on the water. The unusual shapes of these insects allow them to maneuver by walking on water. Stick insects also spend much of their time hunting prey under the water.

    Length: 12 minutes

    Rating: NR