Micro Monsters with David Attenborough

The programme surveys the diverse mating rituals of numerous bugs, documenting how each species courts its mate. It captures a male orb spider stealthily approaching its intended partner, and showcases a butterfly that behaves like a lothario, all in vivid close‑up footage.

Reproduction is a programme presented as a single episode that turns its lens onto the intimate world of insects. It treats the subject as a natural‑history slice, concentrating on how different bugs go about finding and securing a mate. The episode’s tone is observational, letting the creatures’ own actions tell the story without any added narration about broader themes. The core of the show follows three distinct courtship scenes. First, it surveys the diverse mating rituals of a range of bugs, highlighting the variety of strategies they employ. Next, the camera tracks a male orb‑weaver spider as it quietly approaches the female it intends to court, showcasing the spider’s stealthy advance. Finally, the focus shifts to a butterfly that behaves like a lothario, repeatedly seeking out partners with a confidence that sets it apart from its peers. These segments are stitched together to give viewers a close‑up look at how reproductive behaviour manifests across species. By watching the bugs’ rituals, the spider’s patient stalking, and the butterfly’s bold pursuits, the episode offers a concise yet detailed portrait of insect courtship. The presentation stays firmly rooted in observation, allowing the natural actions of each creature to speak for themselves.