Talks and shows

Everything you know about minibeasts is wrong!

Explore the amazingly astounding and perfectly puzzling world of minibeasts in this fun family science talk.

James Wainscoat via Unsplash

In light of the sad news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, this event has been postponed, as a mark of respect. A new date will be annouced shortly, and all those who had booked via Eventbrite will be contacted and offered a refund if they are unable to make this new date.

Did you know that the fact that all bees die when they sting you is wrong? Or the fact that centipedes have 100 legs and cockroaches are indestructible is also WRONG? But don’t worry, there are so many minibeasts out there it’s impossible to know everything about all of them… So, let’s uncover the truth!

Join zoologist and author Dr Nick Crumpton and entomologist and curator, Beulah Garner for an un-bee-lievable event debunking all sorts of myths about minibeasts, based around Dr Nick Crumpton’s inventive new book, Everything You Know About Minibeasts is Wrong!

Expect to unearth countless creepy-crawly facts and discover ingenious invertebrates you never knew existed.

Nick will be joined by Beulah Garner, an insect expert from the Natural History Museum, and together they will debunk many common myths about all kinds of minibeasts.

This event is particularly suitable for ages 7+.

Copies of Nick's latest book 'Everything You Know About Minibeasts is Wrong!' will be available to purchase at the end of the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About the speakers

Nick Crumpton grew up in the UK on a diet of David Attenborough documentaries and hand-me-down Sega games before reading ecology at Leeds University. He moved to beautiful Bristol to research the ancient mammals that lived during the time of the dinosaurs, before he wrote a PhD at the University of Cambridge. He worked at the BBC Natural History Unit and then the Natural History Museum, London, before science-ing at the Zoological Society London and University College London, where he occasionally teaches. As well as writing for children, he works as a zoological consultant. His favourite animals are lowland streaked tenrecs, and he has an aversion to cobras (after one very nearly bit him on his bottom when he wasn’t paying attention).

Beulah Garner is a senior curator and entomologist of the Insects Division at the Natural History Museum in London. She is a specialist in the beetles of the world but also works on other orders of insects such as termites and grasshoppers. She has responsibility for millions of specimens! She has travelled to five continents in search of insects, many of which will be newly discovered to science! Her research focuses on the evolution of ground beetles. She is passionate about the natural world, in particular species discovery and conservation. Her position at one of the world's leading scientific institutions gives her opportunity to not only research the diversity of insects in the world but also engage in scientific outreach to an international audience.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.30pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions

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All proceeds from our affiliate links help support the charitable work of the Ri.