Mighty Mouthparts

The mystery of the hawkmoth’s tongue is unravelled by Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum.

It’s length has offered the simplest and most effective proof of Charles Darwin's theory of Natural Selection in action - and is now inspiring bioengineers in the development of medical nanoprobes.

Series looking at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.

With contributions from:

* Professor Jim Endersby, historian of science at the University of Sussex
* Ian Kitching, entomologist at the Natural History Museum
* Professor Peter Adler, Clemson University

Producer: Adrian Washbourne

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.