Macro Worlds

When the thermometer plunges, birds fly south and animals hibernate, but where do all the insects go? Winter brings a cruel drama to the insect world, as freezing temperatures mean certain death for many insects. Head to the icy ponds, orchards, and meadows of Central Europe to witness the remarkable adaptations these creatures have developed to survive and make sure their offspring live on until spring.

Enter a world of violence and treachery, where torturers and body snatchers hide under every crevice. It looks like an idyllic field, but it's hardly as peaceful as it seems. For the tiny creatures who call it home, this landscape is filled with danger. Praying mantises, ravenous spiders, and venomous wasps all wait in search of their next meal. Discover the bizarre and fascinating world of predatory insects.

With more than 350,000 different species, beetles make up one-fourth of all known animal species. Thanks in part to their armored exoskeletons, these ancient insects have survived every mass extinction of the last 240 million years. They boast an astonishing variety of adaptations, from ruthless hunters to deep divers and flying acrobats, and can be found in nearly every region of the planet. Discover how the humble beetle outlived dinosaurs and conquered the world, and witness the 21st century threats that now have beetles on the defensive.