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The Secret to Their Success

Episode 3 of 3

Insects are the most diverse group of animals in the world, what is the secret of their success? Steve takes us to the Swiss Alps, where a relationship exists between the ant, wasp and the butterfly.

Totalling an estimated 10 million species, the insects and their close relatives are the most abundant and diverse group of animals in the world, so what is the secret of their success? Their hard external skeleton provides strength and protection and their small size allows them to exploit many microhabitats. In Yellowstone, Steve Backshall reveals how teamwork allows a colony of bees to scare off a hungry bear, and in Australia this same teamwork allows a colony of ants to beat the rising tide. But to unlock the real secret of their success Steve takes us to the Swiss Alps, where an incredible relationship exists between the ant, the wasp and the butterfly.

29 minutes

Last on

Thu 27 Oct 2022 23:45

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:02

    Olly Murs

    I'm OK

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Steve Backshall
Series Producer Doug Mackay-Hope
Producer Rosie Gloyns

Broadcasts

  • Wed 27 Mar 2013 20:30
  • Tue 17 May 2016 19:30
  • Wed 17 May 2017 19:30
  • Mon 16 Apr 2018 00:50
  • Tue 24 Mar 2020 10:30
  • Mon 23 Aug 2021 01:40
  • Thu 28 Apr 2022 16:45
  • Thu 27 Oct 2022 23:45

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