Tales
TalesA personal story, up close and unforgettable. The arthropods share with you their thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams.

Here you find personal stories and articles about and from the realm of small beings, told by… the small beings themselves. We’re giving them a voice – all the fireflies, bees, beetles, spiders, and many more. New stories appear regularly, so it’s worth checking back!

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What does a Silver Y feel?

What does a Silver Y feel?

Written for the Kulturbahnhof Ottensoos – a meeting place for people interested in culture in Middle Franconia. … Full post

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The paradox of security

The paradox of security

A tomcat and a cat meet. And a spider secretly listens in. … Full post

The last moon flight

The last moon flight

Max, Carmen und the big dream of one last flight … Full post

System critical

System critical

Who is actually needed here? … Full post

The jumper and the algorithm

The jumper and the algorithm

A spider becomes a content star … Full post

Accidental queen

Accidental queen

On the understanding of roles in nature … Full post

The old man and the Chorthippus apricarius

The old man and the Chorthippus apricarius

A melody amidst the great noise … Full post

Even sustainability can be staged

Even sustainability can be staged

Robert the pill woodlouse in organic wonderland … Full post

“Yuck,” said the poodle – A lesser housefly in the dog salon

“Yuck,” said the poodle – A lesser housefly in the dog salon

We really ought to talk about the value of every living being. … Full post

The spider’s vacation in an apartment

The spider’s vacation in an apartment

Elio was looking for a quiet escape from the wild – but ended up caught in the middle of a whole new adventure. … Full post

Close to the big time – but I'm still happy!

Close to the big time – but I'm still happy!

A well-intentioned letter … Full post

Franz and his mission for insects: Why are solar panels attracting insects?

Franz and his mission for insects: Why are solar panels attracting insects?

Solar installations on former farmland can significantly increase the insect population and biodiversity in just a few years. A side effect and a win-win situation. … Full post

Franz and his journey into the world of humans

Franz and his journey into the world of humans

Franz, the friendly seed beetle, wakes up as a human one morning and uses his new abilities to improve the world of arthropods. … Full post

Explained as easy as pie — How insects communicate with their environment

Explained as easy as pie — How insects communicate with their environment

Insects communicate in various ways, including pheromones, sounds, and visual signals, to interact with each other and survive. … Full post

Explained as easy as pie — the exciting adventures of ants

Explained as easy as pie — the exciting adventures of ants

Discover the fascinating lifestyles and adventures of ants in their well-organized colonies. … Full post

Explained as easy as pie — The biggest threats to bees

Explained as easy as pie — The biggest threats to bees

Bees are essential for pollinating many plants and face significant threats from parasites, diseases, pesticides, and environmental changes. … Full post

Explained as easy as pie — Why small creatures have big differences

Explained as easy as pie — Why small creatures have big differences

This article is about the evolutionary adaptation that has led to the impressive diversity of arthropods — including insects, crustaceans, and arachnids. … Full post

We received a letter from a reader

We received a letter from a reader

An angry butterfly has written to us. It's about a lack of respect for small beings and the failure to preserve nature and our planet. … Full post

Konny and the blues — Diary of a 26-legged being

Konny and the blues — Diary of a 26-legged being

Konny the woodlouse struggles with the challenges of a 26-legged life and talks to a flying visitor about the dangers of climate change. … Full post

A song in rustling leaves

A song in rustling leaves

To help us understand his world, a eurasian running crab spider has composed a brief poem. … Full post

The last refuge

The last refuge

In a world suffering from extreme heat, Mario, the mite, discovers a legendary natural refuge that promises protection and cooling. His journey underlines the urgent need to secure sustainable habitats for all species. … Full post

Dance of love — our exclusive interview

Dance of love — our exclusive interview

Lisa and Linus, two large dragonflies, share their personal mating experiences, often described as a dance, shedding light on the associated challenges and misunderstandings. … Full post

Death in the garden

Death in the garden

Otto, the earwig, experiences an environment that is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the use of neonicotinoids and confronts the deadly consequences of these insecticides for himself and other insects. … Full post

The Spanish crane fly

The Spanish crane fly

Is Bavaria the new Barcelona? Mio, the mosquito, experiences climate zones gone astray. … Full post

Seasons

Seasons

Maria experiences how the seasons change and with them the natural balance of her habitat. These changes are gradual and some might only recognise them when it is already too late. … Full post

Night at the farmhouse

Night at the farmhouse

The human world is exciting and Hugo's curiosity is simply too great, so every night he sets off on an adventure and risks everything. … Full post

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

Change is part of life. And nobody knows that better than a butterfly. A very personal story of evolution and transformation. … Full post

Outside the shoe shop

Outside the shoe shop

Who spends more money on shoes? A wasp or a spider? When both stop in front of a shoe store, they soon discuss their differences and similarities. … Full post

Fabulously red against clichés

Fabulously red against clichés

There are many prejudices about insects. Bernd, the fire bug says "Don't believe everything you hear!" … Full post

Unexpected powers

Unexpected powers

Is life tougher when you're small? Or do the smallest beings perhaps harbor amazing powers that only a few people would believe they have? … Full post

In my web

In my web

I am Natalie, the cucumber green spider, and I live hidden in the coniferous forest. I hope that people will recognize the art of my webs and my true beauty. … Full post

Upward bound

Upward bound

I, Helga Hummel, am relocating again in this rapidly changing world, in search of a new home and the sweet nectar of mountain flowers. … Full post

Dating site

Dating site

Gabriel Glowworm is doubtful about modern dating sites and reflects wistfully on the days when a simple glow was enough to find love. … Full post

The festival of lights

The festival of lights

I, Max the moth, tell you about my night-time adventures and the fascinating but dangerous attraction of light. … Full post