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b'(repeat) Insect populations are declining.\\xa0But before you say \\u201cgood riddance,\\u201d consider that insects are the cornerstone of many ecosystems.\\xa0They are dinner for numerous animal species and are essential pollinators.\\xa0\\xa0Mammals are loved, but they are not indispensable.\\xa0Insects are.\\nMeanwhile, marvel at the extraordinary capabilities of some insects.\\xa0The zany aerial maneuvers of the fly are studied by pilots.\\xa0And, contrary to the bad press, cockroaches are very clean creatures.\\xa0Also, take a listen as we host some Madagascar hissing cockroaches in our studio (yes, they audibly hiss).\\nPlus, how insects first evolved \\u2026 and the challenges in controlling lethal ones.\\xa0Are genetically-engineering mosquitoes the best way to combat malaria?\\nGuests:\\n\\n\\n Erica McAlister\\xa0\\u2013 Entomologist, Senior Curator of diptera in the Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum in London, author of \\u201cThe Secret Life of Flies\\u201d\\n\\n\\n Jessica Ware\\xa0\\u2013 Evolutionary biologist and entomologist at Rutgers University\\n\\n\\nAnthony James\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Vector biologist, University of California, Irvine\\n\\n\\n Lauren Esposito\\xa0\\u2013 Arachnologist, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco\\n\\n\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'