Mr. Beetle

God has an inordinate fondness for beetles... Biologist J. B. S. Haldane, 1959

We know of 1,000,000 kinds of insect, more than half of all known species, but there may be 20-30 million in total, mostly yet unknown. For comparison, only 4,000 or so species of mammals have ever been recorded.

The largest group of insects are the beetles; there are about 350,000 known species in all. There are 3,900 species of beetle known in the UK; again for comparison we have 550 types of birds and 64 native mammals.

But can you tell a beetle from a bug?

Small creatures are fascinating and are a great way for children to easily come into contact with wildlife, for study or enjoyment. The more that you look, the more you can see and find out! Mr. Beetle is a huge ukulele playing insect complete with the requisite number of legs, wing cases, antennae, compound eyes and Dr. Marten's boots! Adults find him scary but children of all ages think he's funny. The show is packed with science and natural history and encourages children to look again at minibeasts, which can be interesting, beautiful, useful and fun. Alternatively, counting games and simple rhymes provide a gentler introduction to the world of the very small for younger children.

Mr. Beetle's Watery Adventure and Mr. Beetle feels the Force are science shows for Key Stage 2 originally funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and The University of Reading.

Mr. Beetle at Newburgh Primary School, warks. Thanks to the school for the iuse of their lovely photos!

Mr. Beetle's Repetoire

All my shows contain songs and music. Most of these Mr. Beetle shows can be adapted for either KS1 or KS2 audiences, 5-11 years. Please contact me to talk about your needs.

  • All About Beetles
    A fun session, tailored to your needs, about beetles, insects and other minibeasts. How to tell if that really is a beetle or not. What is a bug... really? Habitats, food, lifestyle and ecology. Why they are so successful. Even some of the history of humanity's relationships with beetle-kind.

  • Spiders and their Webs
    A fun session all about spiders and their webs. How to identify spiders and their relatives. Habitats, food, lifestyle and ecology. Why they are so successful. Spider silk and it's amazing properties and many uses. Dressed as Mr. Beetle but using a large spider model.
  • Help with Minibeast Lessons
    Barry has been studying very small creatures since he was at school himself and has a degree in Zoology. He has worked outdoors at nature reserves and in schools and museums catching, identifying and showing these creatures to young people since 1990. Mr. Beetle will be happy to help out with your minbeast safari or pond dipping session, indoors or out.

  • The Perils of Being Very Small
    Mr. Beetle has a scary adventure when he finds himself trapped in a very strange place. The story is a riddle. Can the children work out what really happened?

  • Little Nicola
    Nicola Brown is shrunk until she 5 mm tall and makes friends with a beetle. She finds out all about his world. This story is full of fun and particularly popular with younger audiences, although it goes down well with KS2 children as well.

  • Strange Little Worms
    Mr. Beetle is enlarged until he is as big as a car and nearly causes an accident! Nicola takes him in (it's a squeeze) and feeds him spaghetti. A good follow up to Little Nicola if the children have heard that story on a previous occasion.

  • Mr. Beetle's Watery Adventure
    Mr. Beetle falls into the pond and is trapped on its surface. He meets pond creatures and finds out all about water. Longer session for KS2 only with experiments and demonstrations. Originally funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and The University of Reading. Find out more here.

  • Mr. Beetle Feels the Force
    Mr. Beetle is taken into space into orbit for an experiment. Lots of forces are involved. Longer session for KS2 only with experiments and demonstrations. Originally funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and The University of Reading. Find out more here.


Mr. Beetle makes science fun, which is one of our aims as a school. We want children to be excited about science. This is a brilliant way to revise and learn scientific knowledge and skills. The children couldn't wait to get back in for the second half of the show.

Mrs. Simpson, Newburgh Primary School.


A first rate show engaging children of all abilities across the keystage (KS2.) A mix of humorous narrative, drama, investigation/ demonstration and multimedia underpinned by real world applications, whilst simultaneously encompassing a number of other science curriculum areas... Furthermore it provided the Yr6s with a timely interactive revision- extending their application of learning yet further. Fabulous!

Spencer Foyle, Science Co-oordinator Alveston C of E Primary School, Warwickshire.


Excellent Coverage of a wide variety of of science topics. Very good use of pupil participation.

The Chace Primary School, Coventry


The presentation of the story and the science worked brilliantly to make the children feel enthusiastic about science and I am sure that the experience will stay with them for a long time to come!

Dovelands Primary School, Leicester


You were able to communicate with all levels and were not bothered by their "non-communication" if they were unable to speak to you... The pupils who have language remembered a good deal of information and were engrossed in your performance.

Jane Watts, Leyland Special School, Nuneaton.



mr beetles watery adventure

mr beetle feels the force

science