Episode Description
In this Valentine’s Day special, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler dive into the wildest, weirdest, and most unexpectedly heartwarming mating rituals in the animal kingdom. From anglerfish that fuse to their partners and octopuses that take “all in” a little too literally to cannibalistic courtships, pebble-gifting penguins, and ride-or-die prairie voles, this episode proves that love in nature runs the full spectrum of swoon-worthy to downright savage. Equal parts biology lesson and comedy hour, it’s a reminder that while romance may look different across species, devotion (and drama) is universal. Stick around for a sweet surprise at the end!
Helpful Links
🪳 Learn how you can participate in San Antonio Zoo’s Cry Me A Cockroach Fundraiser: https://sazoo.org/crymeacockroach/
💡 Read more about the strange mating habits of:
- 🐟 Anglerfish
- 🐙 Octopi
- 🙏 Praying mantises
- 🕸️ Nursery web spiders
- 🐡 Pufferfish
- 🐭 Prairie voles
- 🐧 Gentoo penguins
💘 If you’re looking for something to do with your pet this weekend, check out our homemade holiday treat recipes! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-holiday-gift-from-bsm-pet-safe-recipes-to-make-spirits-bright/
Show Notes
00:12 – Inside the Episode
01:00 – Cry Me a Cockroach
04:23 – Anglerfish: The Ultimate Stage-Five Clinger
06:31 – Love That Costs an Arm (or a Leg)
08:44 – The Argonaut Octopus: Detachable Devotion
11:01 – Praying Mantises Killer First Dates
13:13 – Gifting with Nursery Web Spiders
15:38 – White-Spotted Puffer Fish Builds Sandcastles for Love
17:32 – Prairie Voles: Monogamy Done Right
19:18 – Pebble Proposals & Loyalty with Gentoo Penguins
24:19 – Key Takeaways
25:07 – An Original Valentine’s Finale