Bonus episode #109 – The lovebugs

In this episode, Andrew discusses the recent lovebug outbreak in Seoul. He describes these insects, explains their unusual name, and talks about his experience dealing with them this summer. Andrew also explores the bigger topic of how people approach killing insects, and shares his own opinion about this issue.

This episode will help improve your English in the following ways:

• Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing a real-life situation in detail.
• Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to insects and pest control, such as “proliferating,” “symbiotic relationship,” “keep in check,” and “creepy crawly.”
• Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like “out of the blue,” “attached at the hip,” and “it’s on” used in context.
• Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own.
• Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of how people in different cultures deal with household pests.
• English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.

Important links:

• Become a Culips member
• Study with the interactive transcript
• Join the Culips Discord server
• Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Episode notes:

1. The scientific name of the lovebug is plecia nearctica.
2. Contrary to what Andrew mentions, a centipede can have between 15 pairs to 191 pairs of legs and a millipede can have between 40 and 1,306 pairs of legs.