Monster Bug Wars is a half-hour documentary program, created and distributed by Beyond Television Productions[1] and televised on the Science Channel. The monster movie format features two types of insects, arachnids, myriapods, and other invertebrates in gladiator style combat in a simulated natural environment. In addition, entomologists educate the viewer about the strengths and weaknesses of the dueling bugs.
Premise
"In nature's fight pit, a host of ruthless bugs as bizarre as they are lethal slug it out in real-life battles to the death. Witness epic encounters between swarms of marauding assassins, and vicious one-on-one clashes where only one bug survives. The world of monster bugs is a jungle, where there's just one law: eat or be eaten."
The program involves two types of bugs, usually but not always, both carnivorous. Both bugs are shown fighting to the death with the victor devouring the victim in graphic detail. The program is noted for its use of dramatic theme music and unusual sound editing. For example, during the combat, sounds of growling, screaming, war cries, and shreiks of agony, to name but a few, are heard. In addition, other military and ringside sound effects such as bells, bugles, whistles and alarms are also heard. Of course, none of these sounds are natural and are only added to enhance the life and death drama. However, some viewers have stated these sound effects are silly and do nothing but make a good documentary into something rather comical.[2] It has been noted that season two has much less sound effects than season one.
Between shots of the "bug smackdown", the two entomologist hosts of the program narrate the action. Dr. Linda Rayor of Cornell University, and Associate Professor, Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry of University of Queensland describe the insect's lethal abilities that have evolved to give it an advantage over its prey. The entomologists often try to predict the winner of the two warring insects.[3][4] The program is narrated by Henry Strozier.
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Production
The series premiered in 2011 and had a run of six episodes. The series was renewed for 2012 with another six episodes produced.
