In this episode of MicroFreaks we zoom in on an alien-like predator: the praying mantis. With binocular vision and the ability to turn their heads 180 degrees, no bug is safe from these ferocious hunter. Watch as we discover more about these amazing insects and take a microscopic look at the adaptations that put them among the predators at the top of the insect food chain. CREDITS: Additional Footage: Alberto Ferrigno Viral Spiral and Henry G Kohler III StockFootageSA Andrew Baker Scanning Electron Microscope Photography: Chris Lenivy Shirley Pinchuck, E M Unit, Rhodes University

MicroFreaks (HD)

Mantids: Say your prayers

Take a microscopic look at an army of tiny but ruthless creatures: ants. Chemical warfare and aggressive military-style strategies help them accomplish their one mission in life: ensure the survival of the colony at all costs. CREDITS: Additional Footage: Neil Losin / Day's Edge Productions Ammonite Films Ants Devour Duck footage by Kirk Rogers, Guinea, Africa Scanning Electron Microscope Photography: Efram Goldberg Raymond Yu, University of Lethbridge, ABCanada Anandasankar Ray & Dr Kavita Sharma

Ants: Super Soldiers

In this episode of MicroFreaks we zoom in on golden orb weaver spiders. With web-building superpowers and neurotoxic venom, these arachnids entomb and liquefy their prey. Watch as we take a microscopic look at the adaptions that have secured them a spot as one of the most ancient spider families on the planet. CREDITS: Additional Footage: Sigma website Sigma YouTube Scanning Electron Microscope Photography: Jennifer Alford, University of Lethbridge , ABCanada Jillian Barnes, University of Lethbridge, AB Canada Milan Madhavji, University of Lethbridge, ABCanada

Golden orb weaver spiders: Architects of entrapment

In the latest episode of MicroFreaks we take a microscopic look at the most common creatures in the world and their questionable hygiene habits … flies. Built to sense death in an instant, these insects have some remarkable adaptations and some pretty hideous offspring!

Flies: Masters of Decay

Our first episode of MicroFreaks takes us into a monster's lair … It might only be a monster on a micro scale, but with its powerful mandibles and paralysing venom, the antlion is pretty formidable if you look (very) closely. We’re zooming in on the predatory prowess that allows the insect to satisfy its insatiable appetite for ants. CREDITS: Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory INTERSPOT FILM GmbH Scanning Electron Microscope Photography: Charlotte Verhaeghe, University of Lethbridge, AB Canada Douglas Bray, University of Lethbridge , ABCanada Dr. Scott D. Russell, Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory, University of Oklahoma CDC / Janice Haney Carr

Antlion: The predator in the pit

They are living incarnations of science fiction's most bizarre imaginings and if you're not running away screaming you'll find they're utterly fascinating. Join us in 'Microfreaks' as as we take an intimate look at the world's creepiest creatures through the eyes of a lens and technology's most sophisticated microscopic equipment. Who knows? You might find your horror changing to awe. Microscope photography credits: Ants: Natural History Museum, London Spiders: Spiggots - Sue Lindsay, Australian Museum Spinneretts: Microangela

MicroFreaks Trailer

Join us in 'Microfreaks' as as we take an intimate look at the world's creepiest creatures through the eyes of a lens and technology's most sophisticated microscopic equipment. Who knows? You might find your horror changing to awe.

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MicroFreaks (HD)

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