1 00:00:02,711 --> 00:00:08,050 {\an7}(Birds sing, insects buzz) 2 00:00:08,217 --> 00:00:13,055 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: When the sound of buzzing fills the air in central Europe... 3 00:00:13,096 --> 00:00:17,017 {\an7}...it’s summer - high season \h\h\hin the insect kingdom. 4 00:00:19,228 --> 00:00:23,023 {\an7}\h\h\hA time to feed and a time to breed. 5 00:00:26,735 --> 00:00:30,155 {\an7}But, as it gets colder... 6 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,911 {\an7}...life gets tough for insects. 7 00:00:39,790 --> 00:00:42,084 {\an7}Some birds head south, 8 00:00:42,251 --> 00:00:44,128 {\an7}while some mammals hibernate, 9 00:00:44,169 --> 00:00:46,338 {\an7}or endeavor to survive. 10 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:48,090 {\an7}But... 11 00:00:48,173 --> 00:00:50,842 {\an7}...where do all the insects go? 12 00:01:01,436 --> 00:01:05,065 {\an7}(Birds sing) 13 00:01:06,149 --> 00:01:09,694 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: It’s late summer - harvest time. 14 00:01:10,320 --> 00:01:15,116 {\an7}(Birds sing) 15 00:01:15,158 --> 00:01:17,911 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Buzzing and humming \h\hfills the air. 16 00:01:17,953 --> 00:01:22,124 {\an7}(Insects buzz) 17 00:01:22,165 --> 00:01:25,293 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Insects gather nectar \h\h\h\h\hand pollen. 18 00:01:31,967 --> 00:01:34,303 {\an7}The color and shine \h\h\hof ripe fruit 19 00:01:34,344 --> 00:01:37,722 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hproclaims that they’re ready to be eaten. 20 00:01:40,309 --> 00:01:45,147 {\an7}(♪) 21 00:01:45,272 --> 00:01:49,109 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\h\h\hApple trees are the star attraction here. 22 00:01:50,193 --> 00:01:51,778 {\an7}Their sweet fruit 23 00:01:51,820 --> 00:01:54,031 {\an7}\h\h\hprovides a chance to load up on calories 24 00:01:54,072 --> 00:01:56,157 {\an7}before winter comes. 25 00:01:56,199 --> 00:01:59,119 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hIt’s heaven for many hungry insects. 26 00:02:01,330 --> 00:02:04,083 {\an7}\hEach has evolved its own special way 27 00:02:04,124 --> 00:02:06,168 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hof dealing with the coming winter. 28 00:02:06,209 --> 00:02:08,378 {\an7}Their paths will soon separate 29 00:02:08,420 --> 00:02:12,215 {\an7}as they use different strategies to survive. 30 00:02:12,257 --> 00:02:15,302 {\an7}(Bird whistles) 31 00:02:15,344 --> 00:02:19,974 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\hFallen apples are a favorite of hornets. 32 00:02:20,015 --> 00:02:22,184 {\an7}Although adult hornets \h\h\h\hare predators, 33 00:02:22,351 --> 00:02:25,771 {\an7}\h\hthe juice of apples is an energy-rich food 34 00:02:25,812 --> 00:02:27,439 {\an7}they don’t pass up. 35 00:02:27,481 --> 00:02:30,192 {\an7}Gathering this food source \h\h\h\h\h\h\his the fuel 36 00:02:30,317 --> 00:02:33,362 {\an7}\h\h\hto prepare their colony for the winter. 37 00:02:33,403 --> 00:02:37,782 {\an7}Hornets often build their nest \h\h\h\hinside hollowed trees. 38 00:02:40,202 --> 00:02:42,204 {\an7}A guardian hornet \hat the entrance 39 00:02:42,412 --> 00:02:48,209 {\an7}checks who’s coming and going, \h\hand fans fresh air inside. 40 00:02:48,251 --> 00:02:52,213 {\an7}The nest construction has been \h\hunderway since the spring. 41 00:02:52,255 --> 00:02:55,091 {\an7}Workers constantly expand their home 42 00:02:55,133 --> 00:02:57,218 {\an7}with a pulp made of chewed wood. 43 00:02:57,260 --> 00:03:01,890 {\an7}But this residence \hisn’t permanent. 44 00:03:01,932 --> 00:03:05,978 {\an7}The colony will only live here for this one summer. 45 00:03:07,396 --> 00:03:11,191 {\an7}Inside the nest, with a single \h\hentrance, is the nursery, 46 00:03:11,233 --> 00:03:13,777 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hwhich fills the entire structure. 47 00:03:16,363 --> 00:03:18,240 {\an7}There’s no food storage here 48 00:03:18,448 --> 00:03:21,159 {\an7}and the workers tirelessly \h\h\h\h\hfeed the larvae 49 00:03:21,201 --> 00:03:23,453 {\an7}the harvested apple juice. 50 00:03:28,417 --> 00:03:32,504 {\an7}Presiding over the colony is the much bigger queen. 51 00:03:36,299 --> 00:03:41,221 {\an7}She continuously lays eggs, \h\heach into its own cell. 52 00:03:41,263 --> 00:03:42,931 {\an7}Now, in late summer, 53 00:03:42,973 --> 00:03:47,060 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hthe nest is home to as many as 700 workers. 54 00:03:47,936 --> 00:03:49,980 {\an7}This is their peak population. 55 00:03:50,021 --> 00:03:53,066 {\an7}But none of the workers, and not even the queen, 56 00:03:53,108 --> 00:03:54,860 {\an7}will survive the winter. 57 00:03:54,901 --> 00:03:57,987 {\an7}\h\hBut their hard work will ensure a new queen 58 00:03:58,029 --> 00:04:00,490 {\an7}and a new colony next spring. 59 00:04:00,532 --> 00:04:05,912 {\an7}(Hornets buzz) 60 00:04:05,954 --> 00:04:10,417 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Right next door, there’s another outpost of the insect kingdom... 61 00:04:10,459 --> 00:04:13,003 {\an7}...a honey bee hive. 62 00:04:13,044 --> 00:04:15,547 {\an7}Bees have a different strategy \h\h\h\h\h\h\hthan the hornets. 63 00:04:15,589 --> 00:04:20,302 {\an7}\hTheir plan is for the whole colony to survive the winter. 64 00:04:21,386 --> 00:04:27,142 {\an7}(Bees buzz) 65 00:04:27,184 --> 00:04:31,021 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Workers with yellow pollen sticking to their back legs 66 00:04:31,062 --> 00:04:34,065 {\an7}\h\hreturn to the hive to unload their bounty. 67 00:04:42,199 --> 00:04:46,286 {\an7}But some members of the colony \h\h\hare barred from entering. 68 00:04:46,328 --> 00:04:49,039 {\an7}At the hive entrance, \h\h\h\ha cruel drama 69 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:51,165 {\an7}is unfolding ahead of winter. 70 00:04:54,461 --> 00:04:58,256 {\an7}Guards stop all the drones, \h\h\h\h\h\hthe male bees, 71 00:04:58,298 --> 00:05:00,675 {\an7}and ruthlessly expel them. 72 00:05:00,717 --> 00:05:02,928 {\an7}Now that the mating season \h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\his over, 73 00:05:02,969 --> 00:05:04,971 {\an7}all drones are expelled \h\h\h\h\hfrom the hive 74 00:05:05,013 --> 00:05:08,350 {\an7}\h\h\hsince they are no longer of any use. 75 00:05:08,391 --> 00:05:10,351 {\an7}\hDrones are unable to feed themselves, 76 00:05:10,393 --> 00:05:14,314 {\an7}\h\h\h\hso would be a drain on the hive’s food reserves. 77 00:05:15,398 --> 00:05:17,358 {\an7}They’re left to starve in exile, 78 00:05:17,567 --> 00:05:22,405 {\an7}\h\h\hsacrificed to ensure the colony survives winter. 79 00:05:22,447 --> 00:05:24,157 {\an7}Meanwhile, the worker bees 80 00:05:24,199 --> 00:05:26,368 {\an7}\h\hbusily stock up on winter supplies. 81 00:05:26,493 --> 00:05:29,454 {\an7}Unlike hornets, bees have \hvast areas of the hive 82 00:05:29,496 --> 00:05:32,249 {\an7}dedicated to storing food. 83 00:05:32,290 --> 00:05:35,335 {\an7}\h\hSome cells hold protein-rich pollen, 84 00:05:37,170 --> 00:05:41,216 {\an7}\h\h\hwhile others hold nectar, which will thicken into honey. 85 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:47,055 {\an7}These stores are necessary \h\h\hto support the hive, 86 00:05:47,097 --> 00:05:51,351 {\an7}\h\hwhich can be home to up to 60,000 bees. 87 00:05:52,435 --> 00:05:56,397 {\an7}(Bees buzz) 88 00:05:56,439 --> 00:05:59,359 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\h\h\hWhile the queen can live up to five years, 89 00:05:59,401 --> 00:06:01,695 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hher workers will only live for six 90 00:06:01,736 --> 00:06:06,491 {\an7}\h\h\hfrenetic weeks in summer, preparing the hive for winter. 91 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:13,415 {\an7}It’s all so that these larvae \h\h\hcan become winter bees, 92 00:06:13,456 --> 00:06:15,416 {\an7}which can live up to 6 months, 93 00:06:15,458 --> 00:06:18,670 {\an7}ensuring the hive survives \h\h\h\h\hthe cold season. 94 00:06:23,133 --> 00:06:25,552 {\an7}The days still feel \hpleasantly warm. 95 00:06:25,594 --> 00:06:27,679 {\an7}(Birds sing) 96 00:06:27,721 --> 00:06:32,226 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\hBut as the sun sets, temperatures can plummet. 97 00:06:36,229 --> 00:06:41,401 {\an7}\hMorning arrives, clad in a layer of fine, cool mist. 98 00:06:42,485 --> 00:06:47,573 {\an7}(♪) 99 00:06:47,616 --> 00:06:53,372 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: And dew laces leaves, \h\h\h\h\hblossoms... 100 00:06:53,413 --> 00:06:56,458 {\an7}...and even the wings \h\h\hof dragonflies. 101 00:06:56,499 --> 00:07:00,461 {\an7}\h\hLike all insects, they are cold-blooded: 102 00:07:00,629 --> 00:07:04,007 {\an7}their body temperature changing with the air temperature. 103 00:07:08,637 --> 00:07:14,268 {\an7}The cold night leaves them stiff and unable to move. 104 00:07:14,309 --> 00:07:18,146 {\an7}They sunbathe to reach operating temperature. 105 00:07:19,522 --> 00:07:23,484 {\an7}(♪) 106 00:07:23,652 --> 00:07:25,445 {\an7}(Toad croaks) 107 00:07:25,487 --> 00:07:29,282 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \hMost adult dragonflies live for only one summer, 108 00:07:29,324 --> 00:07:32,035 {\an7}dying when winter sets in. 109 00:07:34,663 --> 00:07:37,583 {\an7}It’s their larvae, known as a nymphs, 110 00:07:37,624 --> 00:07:40,502 {\an7}that survive the winter. 111 00:07:40,543 --> 00:07:44,380 {\an7}\hThe nymph lives underwater, and, depending on the species, 112 00:07:44,422 --> 00:07:46,341 {\an7}\h\hcan remain there for up to four years 113 00:07:46,383 --> 00:07:50,512 {\an7}\h\hbefore leaving the water to become an adult dragonfly. 114 00:07:50,553 --> 00:07:53,598 {\an7}It breathes by drawing water \h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hinto its body 115 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:55,559 {\an7}and over internal gills. 116 00:07:57,352 --> 00:07:58,645 {\an7}In contrast, 117 00:07:58,687 --> 00:08:00,647 {\an7}the great diving beetle 118 00:08:00,689 --> 00:08:03,317 {\an7}must visit the surface \h\h\h\h\hfor oxygen. 119 00:08:03,358 --> 00:08:06,528 {\an7}It captures air under its wings, like a scuba diver, 120 00:08:06,695 --> 00:08:11,074 {\an7}and can then stay submerged for longer periods of time. 121 00:08:13,493 --> 00:08:15,328 {\an7}Fast-moving ambush hunters, 122 00:08:15,370 --> 00:08:17,372 {\an7}they’re capable of taking fish 123 00:08:17,414 --> 00:08:19,291 {\an7}almost as big as themselves, 124 00:08:19,332 --> 00:08:22,710 {\an7}as they stock up on calories \h\h\hfor the coming winter. 125 00:08:26,756 --> 00:08:29,259 {\an7}Above water, as fall approaches, 126 00:08:29,300 --> 00:08:33,095 {\an7}other species of the forest are just reaching maturity. 127 00:08:37,350 --> 00:08:40,728 {\an7}Mushrooms stretch their caps \h\h\h\h\hout of the ground, 128 00:08:40,770 --> 00:08:45,316 {\an7}\h\h\hspreading their spores and propagating the next generation. 129 00:08:51,239 --> 00:08:55,535 {\an7}They spend most of the year beneath the earth’s surface 130 00:08:55,577 --> 00:08:59,247 {\an7}as mycelium, a root-like weave. 131 00:08:59,914 --> 00:09:05,586 {\an7}(♪) 132 00:09:05,628 --> 00:09:08,589 {\an7}\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Still deeper under the forest floor, 133 00:09:08,715 --> 00:09:11,676 {\an7}a strange creature is stirring. 134 00:09:14,721 --> 00:09:19,392 {\an7}This is the larva of a famed beetle. 135 00:09:19,434 --> 00:09:21,686 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hIt looks nothing like its parents, 136 00:09:21,728 --> 00:09:23,480 {\an7}and to the untrained eye, 137 00:09:23,521 --> 00:09:27,483 {\an7}\h\h\h\hthere’s no clue to the animal it will become. 138 00:09:27,525 --> 00:09:30,611 {\an7}The larva lives underground \h\h\hfor up to six years, 139 00:09:30,820 --> 00:09:34,741 {\an7}\h\hfeeding on decaying wood and building up fat reserves. 140 00:09:34,783 --> 00:09:37,744 {\an7}\h\hThe insulated earth provides a perfect home, 141 00:09:37,786 --> 00:09:40,414 {\an7}especially in the cold winter. 142 00:09:41,706 --> 00:09:44,834 {\an7}After about five years of growth as a larva, 143 00:09:44,876 --> 00:09:47,921 {\an7}it digs out an underground \h\h\hchamber in the soil 144 00:09:47,962 --> 00:09:51,632 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hto begin a dramatic transformation. 145 00:09:51,716 --> 00:09:55,345 {\an7}\h\h\h\hWith the early autumn, this larva prepares to pupate, 146 00:09:55,386 --> 00:09:57,930 {\an7}\h\h\hthe final stage of its metamorphosis, 147 00:09:57,972 --> 00:09:59,724 {\an7}the jaw structures revealing 148 00:09:59,766 --> 00:10:02,936 {\an7}the impressive adult \h\hit will become... 149 00:10:02,977 --> 00:10:05,229 {\an7}...a stag beetle. 150 00:10:05,271 --> 00:10:08,483 {\an7}(Birds sing) 151 00:10:08,525 --> 00:10:12,821 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\hAutumn paints the leaves in a rich palette of colors, 152 00:10:12,862 --> 00:10:16,657 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hthe fruits of the forest ripen... 153 00:10:16,866 --> 00:10:22,663 {\an7}\h\h...only to be hidden by a jay in his winter larder. 154 00:10:22,705 --> 00:10:27,251 {\an7}The dormouse forages \hfor beech nuts... 155 00:10:27,293 --> 00:10:30,797 {\an7}...life-saving fat reserves for the long winter sleep. 156 00:10:39,681 --> 00:10:43,643 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hFog dances, blanketing the woods... 157 00:10:44,894 --> 00:10:49,941 {\an7}(♪) 158 00:10:55,655 --> 00:10:59,409 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: ...leaving the valley \hcloaked with mist. 159 00:11:01,452 --> 00:11:04,622 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThe meadow saffron, or autumn crocus, emerges, 160 00:11:04,664 --> 00:11:07,709 {\an7}a rare splash of vibrant color. 161 00:11:09,752 --> 00:11:13,297 {\an7}As the weather grows \hcolder and wetter, 162 00:11:13,339 --> 00:11:15,842 {\an7}\h\h\hthe hornets embark on some home improvements 163 00:11:15,884 --> 00:11:17,719 {\an7}to their nest ahead of winter, 164 00:11:17,760 --> 00:11:22,473 {\an7}\h\h\hreducing the size of their front door to prevent heat loss. 165 00:11:25,894 --> 00:11:28,730 {\an7}But, they’re doomed. 166 00:11:28,771 --> 00:11:30,856 {\an7}Unlike their cousins, \h\h\hthe honey bees, 167 00:11:30,899 --> 00:11:34,611 {\an7}\h\h\hneither their colony nor their nest are designed 168 00:11:34,652 --> 00:11:37,029 {\an7}to stockpile supplies \hand keep them warm 169 00:11:37,071 --> 00:11:39,740 {\an7}during the cold winter months. 170 00:11:39,824 --> 00:11:43,828 {\an7}\hIn the nest, significantly fewer workers are now active. 171 00:11:46,831 --> 00:11:49,751 {\an7}\h\hBut there’s still a gruesome job to do. 172 00:11:49,792 --> 00:11:53,421 {\an7}They drag live larvae \hfrom their cells... 173 00:12:02,013 --> 00:12:06,935 {\an7}\h\h\h\h...and dump them outside the nest to die. 174 00:12:11,064 --> 00:12:13,692 {\an7}They no longer need new workers. 175 00:12:19,072 --> 00:12:23,743 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hOutside, the larval cemetery grows. 176 00:12:32,085 --> 00:12:34,879 {\an7}They’ve even stopped feeding their queen. 177 00:12:38,091 --> 00:12:40,802 {\an7}After giving birth \hto this colony, 178 00:12:40,843 --> 00:12:43,804 {\an7}she’s starved out of her own kingdom 179 00:12:43,930 --> 00:12:47,767 {\an7}\h\h\hand dies after only a year of life. 180 00:12:52,855 --> 00:12:55,941 {\an7}A lucky few larvae still receive food. 181 00:12:55,984 --> 00:12:58,820 {\an7}They’re the only ones \hleft in the colony 182 00:12:58,861 --> 00:13:01,030 {\an7}who have a chance to survive, 183 00:13:01,072 --> 00:13:03,533 {\an7}as next year’s queens. 184 00:13:09,080 --> 00:13:11,124 {\an7}As the hornets clean house, 185 00:13:11,165 --> 00:13:15,002 {\an7}\hladybugs prepare for the big chill. 186 00:13:18,131 --> 00:13:20,634 {\an7}With no nests to speak of, 187 00:13:20,675 --> 00:13:23,803 {\an7}\h\h\hthey need another way to survive the winter cold. 188 00:13:24,929 --> 00:13:26,931 {\an7}They hunt for shelter... 189 00:13:29,183 --> 00:13:32,978 {\an7}\h\h\h\h...following aggregation pheromones to nooks and crannies 190 00:13:33,021 --> 00:13:35,941 {\an7}between boulders and wall cracks. 191 00:13:35,982 --> 00:13:38,776 {\an7}In popular spots, they often gather 192 00:13:38,818 --> 00:13:42,947 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hin the hundreds; this helps reduce dehydration. 193 00:13:42,989 --> 00:13:44,908 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hThey are one of the amazing creatures 194 00:13:44,949 --> 00:13:47,869 {\an7}capable of producing a type of antifreeze, 195 00:13:47,994 --> 00:13:50,121 {\an7}\h\h\h\hwhich allows them to cope with temperatures 196 00:13:50,163 --> 00:13:53,875 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\has low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. 197 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:55,668 {\an7}In their secure niches, 198 00:13:55,710 --> 00:13:57,879 {\an7}with anti-freeze pumped \hthrough their bodies, 199 00:13:58,046 --> 00:13:59,506 {\an7}they will cease to eat 200 00:13:59,547 --> 00:14:02,675 {\an7}\h\h\hand enter a type of suspended animation. 201 00:14:04,052 --> 00:14:05,887 {\an7}They’ll stay here for months, 202 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:09,974 {\an7}not venturing outside to forage even on warmer winter days. 203 00:14:16,981 --> 00:14:18,483 {\an7}As fall progresses, 204 00:14:18,524 --> 00:14:21,652 {\an7}\h\h\h\hcranes are among the many species of birds 205 00:14:21,694 --> 00:14:22,987 {\an7}flying south, 206 00:14:23,029 --> 00:14:24,989 {\an7}where food is easier to find. 207 00:14:25,031 --> 00:14:30,745 {\an7}(Cranes squawk) 208 00:14:30,787 --> 00:14:32,080 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: In northern climates, 209 00:14:32,121 --> 00:14:34,624 {\an7}barely anything blooms in fall, 210 00:14:34,665 --> 00:14:37,543 {\an7}except the ivy... 211 00:14:37,585 --> 00:14:41,714 {\an7}\h\h...which unfurls its modest blossoms. 212 00:14:46,844 --> 00:14:48,137 {\an7}Butterflies and bees, 213 00:14:48,179 --> 00:14:51,724 {\an7}wasps and hoverflies \h\harrive in droves, 214 00:14:51,766 --> 00:14:53,935 {\an7}\h\h\h\hattracted by the last food source 215 00:14:53,976 --> 00:14:57,605 {\an7}\h\h\h\hbefore winter tightens its icy grip. 216 00:14:57,647 --> 00:15:01,776 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThe red admiral tops up its energy reserves on nectar, 217 00:15:01,818 --> 00:15:05,530 {\an7}ready for an epic long-haul flight. 218 00:15:07,073 --> 00:15:09,158 {\an7}It’s one of the last \h\h\h\hbutterflies 219 00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:10,952 {\an7}seen before winter, 220 00:15:11,077 --> 00:15:12,996 {\an7}and, just like migratory birds, 221 00:15:13,037 --> 00:15:16,707 {\an7}\h\h\h\hit flies south for the cold season... 222 00:15:21,295 --> 00:15:24,089 {\an7}...leaving central Europe \h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hto travel 223 00:15:24,132 --> 00:15:27,969 {\an7}an incredible 600 miles. 224 00:15:32,056 --> 00:15:33,933 {\an7}They cross alpine passes over 225 00:15:33,975 --> 00:15:36,978 {\an7}8 thousand feet high... 226 00:15:37,019 --> 00:15:39,772 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h...to start a new generation of admirals 227 00:15:39,814 --> 00:15:42,942 {\an7}in the frost-free climes \h\h\hof southern Europe. 228 00:15:44,694 --> 00:15:45,987 {\an7}While they’re heading south, 229 00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:48,990 {\an7}\h\h\hgroundhogs retreat into sometimes elaborate, 230 00:15:49,157 --> 00:15:53,119 {\an7}\h\h\hpadded nest chambers to hibernate until spring. 231 00:15:57,623 --> 00:16:00,751 {\an7}\hNorth of the Alps, autumn still has some 232 00:16:00,793 --> 00:16:02,753 {\an7}golden days in store. 233 00:16:08,176 --> 00:16:09,969 {\an7}Vineyards glow... 234 00:16:13,097 --> 00:16:15,016 {\an7}...and the fall sun ripens 235 00:16:15,141 --> 00:16:17,977 {\an7}the final grapes of the season... 236 00:16:20,354 --> 00:16:26,068 {\an7}\h\h...which prove irresistible to the last surviving hornets. 237 00:16:26,110 --> 00:16:30,740 {\an7}The fermenting grapes provide \h\ha drunken farewell feast 238 00:16:30,781 --> 00:16:33,158 {\an7}for their final days of life. 239 00:16:36,037 --> 00:16:38,957 {\an7}Only the new young queens \h\h\h\hthat have emerged 240 00:16:38,998 --> 00:16:41,042 {\an7}\h\h\h\hhave any chance of surviving the winter. 241 00:16:41,125 --> 00:16:45,671 {\an7}Like many insects, they take \hshelter deep underground, 242 00:16:45,713 --> 00:16:49,091 {\an7}\h\h\h\hwhere they’re protected by the insulation of the earth. 243 00:16:51,928 --> 00:16:55,056 {\an7}\hThere’s the promise of new life here, too. 244 00:16:59,185 --> 00:17:02,021 {\an7}A clutch of tiny earwig eggs 245 00:17:02,063 --> 00:17:04,857 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hlies in an underground incubator. 246 00:17:07,693 --> 00:17:10,196 {\an7}\h\h\h\hA tasty meal for an earth-runner, 247 00:17:10,238 --> 00:17:12,615 {\an7}a predatory centipede. 248 00:17:19,121 --> 00:17:23,667 {\an7}But the mother of the eggs \his here to protect them. 249 00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:25,920 {\an7}\h\h\hThe earwig is a dedicated mother, 250 00:17:25,962 --> 00:17:28,047 {\an7}a rarity in the insect world. 251 00:17:33,302 --> 00:17:40,059 {\an7}(♪) 252 00:17:53,030 --> 00:17:55,241 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Agitated by any trespassers, 253 00:17:55,283 --> 00:17:57,118 {\an7}she spreads her pincer, 254 00:17:57,243 --> 00:17:59,704 {\an7}ready to defend her offspring. 255 00:18:01,914 --> 00:18:07,086 {\an7}(Suspenseful music) 256 00:18:14,760 --> 00:18:16,845 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: The intruder retreats. 257 00:18:24,186 --> 00:18:27,856 {\an7}An earwig clutch holds \h\h\h\hup to 70 eggs. 258 00:18:29,984 --> 00:18:31,319 {\an7}Every one barely 259 00:18:31,360 --> 00:18:33,737 {\an7}1/16th inch long, 260 00:18:33,779 --> 00:18:37,366 {\an7}smaller than the head \h\hof a matchstick. 261 00:18:37,408 --> 00:18:41,120 {\an7}\hThe mother constantly brushes the eggs with her mouthparts... 262 00:18:44,790 --> 00:18:48,168 {\an7}\h\h\h...cleaning off molds and keeping the clutch damp, 263 00:18:48,294 --> 00:18:51,255 {\an7}so it doesn’t dry out \hin the winter air. 264 00:18:53,090 --> 00:18:54,967 {\an7}Unusual for an insect, 265 00:18:55,009 --> 00:18:58,429 {\an7}she’ll care for her clutch throughout the cold season. 266 00:19:03,476 --> 00:19:09,190 {\an7}(Running water) 267 00:19:09,231 --> 00:19:12,067 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hIn woodlands, falling levels of chlorophyll 268 00:19:12,109 --> 00:19:16,196 {\an7}\hturns the leaves from green to gold. 269 00:19:16,405 --> 00:19:19,783 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hIn the clearings, the roars of rutting red deer 270 00:19:19,825 --> 00:19:21,201 {\an7}can be heard. 271 00:19:21,327 --> 00:19:26,123 {\an7}(Deer rut and roar) 272 00:19:27,375 --> 00:19:33,423 {\an7}(Deer roars) 273 00:19:37,385 --> 00:19:40,221 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\hIt’s a few weeks since the alien larva 274 00:19:40,262 --> 00:19:42,473 {\an7}transformed in its cozy chamber 275 00:19:42,515 --> 00:19:45,226 {\an7}12 inches underground. 276 00:19:45,267 --> 00:19:49,480 {\an7}It’s now a fully-developed \h\h\h\h\hmale stag beetle. 277 00:19:50,564 --> 00:19:52,316 {\an7}He lies quietly on his back, 278 00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:55,820 {\an7}in his cradle, barely moving, \h\h\h\h\h\h\hto save energy. 279 00:20:00,366 --> 00:20:03,286 {\an7}\h\h\h\hHe’ll remain hidden in the warmth and security 280 00:20:03,327 --> 00:20:04,995 {\an7}of his little chamber, 281 00:20:05,037 --> 00:20:07,831 {\an7}safe from the ravages \h\h\hof the winter, 282 00:20:07,873 --> 00:20:09,792 {\an7}until spring comes. 283 00:20:13,003 --> 00:20:18,008 {\an7}\hBecause outside, it’s getting cold! 284 00:20:18,050 --> 00:20:21,262 {\an7}The dormouse has long since \h\h\hwithdrawn into a cave 285 00:20:21,429 --> 00:20:24,057 {\an7}\h\hfor winter sleep, curled up into a ball 286 00:20:24,098 --> 00:20:26,267 {\an7}to stay warm. 287 00:20:29,103 --> 00:20:32,898 {\an7}\hAs the temperature plummets, the fog turns into hoar frost, 288 00:20:32,940 --> 00:20:36,235 {\an7}\h\h\ha frozen water vapor that covers the landscape. 289 00:20:41,198 --> 00:20:43,909 {\an7}Most insects have disappeared. 290 00:20:47,121 --> 00:20:50,207 {\an7}But for some, the first frost 291 00:20:50,249 --> 00:20:53,127 {\an7}is an incredible wake-up call. 292 00:20:53,169 --> 00:20:55,546 {\an7}As soon as the temperature \h\hdrops below freezing, 293 00:20:55,588 --> 00:20:57,256 {\an7}and night falls... 294 00:20:57,298 --> 00:21:00,343 {\an7}a spectacular event unfolds... 295 00:21:00,384 --> 00:21:04,138 {\an7}...the winter moths emerge. 296 00:21:04,180 --> 00:21:05,932 {\an7}At first, the males of these 297 00:21:05,973 --> 00:21:07,892 {\an7}one-inch-long insects 298 00:21:07,933 --> 00:21:09,309 {\an7}swarm around the trees. 299 00:21:13,439 --> 00:21:17,151 {\an7}\h\h\h\hLater that night, winter moth females crawl 300 00:21:17,193 --> 00:21:19,946 {\an7}up the tree trunks. \h\hThey look like 301 00:21:19,987 --> 00:21:23,324 {\an7}\h\h\ha completely different species. 302 00:21:23,532 --> 00:21:26,410 {\an7}It’s time for them to find \ha mate, but their small, 303 00:21:26,452 --> 00:21:30,081 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hstub wings are useless for flying. 304 00:21:30,122 --> 00:21:31,624 {\an7}Instead, they stay put, 305 00:21:31,665 --> 00:21:35,460 {\an7}and emit strong smelling pheromones into the air, 306 00:21:35,503 --> 00:21:43,344 {\an7}which can attract males \h\h\h\hfrom a distance 307 00:21:43,427 --> 00:21:45,554 {\an7}of up to over half a mile. 308 00:21:47,681 --> 00:21:52,227 {\an7}Shortly after, the females \hlay their fertilized eggs 309 00:21:52,269 --> 00:21:54,188 {\an7}in cracks in the bark. 310 00:21:56,398 --> 00:21:59,484 {\an7}Both males and females \h\h\hdie within days, 311 00:21:59,527 --> 00:22:02,405 {\an7}without eating a single meal. 312 00:22:02,446 --> 00:22:05,366 {\an7}\h\h\hThey emerge only to produce their eggs, 313 00:22:05,407 --> 00:22:09,369 {\an7}which will withstand the winter cold and hatch in the spring. 314 00:22:09,411 --> 00:22:13,373 {\an7}(Bird squawks) 315 00:22:13,541 --> 00:22:15,585 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: The first snow falls. 316 00:22:19,672 --> 00:22:23,968 {\an7}\h\hUnderground, insulated from the icy outside world, 317 00:22:24,009 --> 00:22:27,471 {\an7}the temperature is slightly \h\hwarmer and more stable, 318 00:22:27,513 --> 00:22:32,351 {\an7}\h\hthe key to survival for underground insects. 319 00:22:32,393 --> 00:22:35,938 {\an7}\hA tiny spider has entered the breeding chamber of the earwig. 320 00:22:38,065 --> 00:22:40,359 {\an7}It’s got its eye on a tasty egg. 321 00:22:52,621 --> 00:22:55,374 {\an7}The mother is already \h\h\h\hon her guard. 322 00:23:10,472 --> 00:23:13,058 {\an7}\h\hShe alternates between cleaning... 323 00:23:20,608 --> 00:23:22,401 {\an7}...and attack. 324 00:23:26,405 --> 00:23:28,407 {\an7}But the spider won’t give up. 325 00:23:31,201 --> 00:23:32,619 {\an7}The mother attacks again, 326 00:23:32,661 --> 00:23:35,080 {\an7}raising her tail to strike. 327 00:23:37,583 --> 00:23:40,419 {\an7}A blow from those pincers \h\h\h\h\h\h\hcould kill. 328 00:23:42,546 --> 00:23:49,094 {\an7}(Dramatic music) 329 00:23:53,766 --> 00:23:55,601 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: The spider retreats, 330 00:23:55,643 --> 00:23:59,480 {\an7}\h\h\hleaving the clutch of earwig eggs unharmed. 331 00:23:59,521 --> 00:24:03,191 {\an7}Mother and young are safe for now. 332 00:24:17,748 --> 00:24:22,461 {\an7}The snowy landscapes look \htranquil and beautiful. 333 00:24:24,463 --> 00:24:26,465 {\an7}But winter can be deadly. 334 00:24:28,634 --> 00:24:30,803 {\an7}Mammals have evolved \h\hto have a thick, 335 00:24:30,844 --> 00:24:33,472 {\an7}life-saving layer of fur. 336 00:24:35,182 --> 00:24:37,393 {\an7}It’s a struggle to reach food, 337 00:24:37,434 --> 00:24:41,104 {\an7}and the cold means they need \h\hmore energy than usual. 338 00:24:42,731 --> 00:24:45,734 {\an7}(Bird squawks) 339 00:24:52,533 --> 00:24:55,077 {\an7}As the temperature plunges... 340 00:24:57,579 --> 00:25:01,374 {\an7}...streams start freezing. 341 00:25:03,585 --> 00:25:08,173 {\an7}\hBut under the ice, the water temperature is relatively warm 342 00:25:08,215 --> 00:25:10,551 {\an7}and the stream bed never gets colder 343 00:25:10,592 --> 00:25:13,136 {\an7}than 39 degrees Fahrenheit. 344 00:25:15,681 --> 00:25:19,685 {\an7}\h\h\hThe Dragonfly nymph has retreated here for the winter. 345 00:25:19,727 --> 00:25:23,564 {\an7}The cold dramatically slows its metabolism, 346 00:25:23,605 --> 00:25:26,399 {\an7}so it lies still and waits, 347 00:25:26,442 --> 00:25:29,528 {\an7}surviving off what it ate \h\hearlier in the year. 348 00:25:29,570 --> 00:25:33,783 {\an7}It won’t need to eat again until spring. 349 00:25:33,824 --> 00:25:39,413 {\an7}This same tactic is also used \hby the great diving beetle. 350 00:25:39,455 --> 00:25:41,582 {\an7}\hThe ice stops it surfacing for air, 351 00:25:41,790 --> 00:25:44,584 {\an7}but there’s enough stored \h\hin the "scuba tanks" 352 00:25:44,626 --> 00:25:47,587 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hunder its wings to last right through winter. 353 00:25:47,629 --> 00:25:51,591 {\an7}A slower winter metabolism \h\h\hrequires less oxygen 354 00:25:51,759 --> 00:25:53,594 {\an7}and no food. 355 00:25:53,635 --> 00:25:55,595 {\an7}\hThey calmly lie on the stream bed, 356 00:25:55,637 --> 00:25:57,556 {\an7}waiting for the thaw. 357 00:26:01,894 --> 00:26:05,398 {\an7}A thick layer of snow now covers the land. 358 00:26:05,439 --> 00:26:07,858 {\an7}\h\hSomewhere under this white blanket, 359 00:26:07,900 --> 00:26:10,569 {\an7}the young hornet queen \h\hhas buried herself 360 00:26:10,611 --> 00:26:13,572 {\an7}\h\hunder the earth and endures winter. 361 00:26:15,741 --> 00:26:17,618 {\an7}Her former home, 362 00:26:17,743 --> 00:26:19,578 {\an7}long abandoned. 363 00:26:23,791 --> 00:26:27,420 {\an7}But the old hornet nest \h\h\h\hhas a visitor. 364 00:26:32,883 --> 00:26:35,302 {\an7}The shrew can’t hibernate. 365 00:26:35,344 --> 00:26:36,637 {\an7}It must stay active, 366 00:26:36,678 --> 00:26:39,681 {\an7}hunting for insects \h\hall year round 367 00:26:39,723 --> 00:26:41,850 {\an7}or it will freeze to death. 368 00:26:43,977 --> 00:26:46,563 {\an7}It scours the empty hornet nest 369 00:26:46,605 --> 00:26:48,398 {\an7}to find some dead larvae, 370 00:26:48,440 --> 00:26:52,778 {\an7}a nice package of protein \h\h\hin the lean winter. 371 00:27:03,330 --> 00:27:04,790 {\an7}Next door, 372 00:27:04,832 --> 00:27:06,584 {\an7}the hive is humming. 373 00:27:06,625 --> 00:27:08,836 {\an7}In fact, the colder it gets, 374 00:27:08,877 --> 00:27:11,671 {\an7}the louder the buzzing. 375 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:14,549 {\an7}The bees huddle together \h\h\h\hin what’s called 376 00:27:14,591 --> 00:27:17,260 {\an7}a "winter grape" for warmth. 377 00:27:17,302 --> 00:27:19,679 {\an7}Even in freezing temperatures, 378 00:27:19,888 --> 00:27:21,973 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hit’s a cozy 68 degrees Fahrenheit 379 00:27:22,015 --> 00:27:24,684 {\an7}on the inside. 380 00:27:24,726 --> 00:27:26,269 {\an7}The colony has shrunk, 381 00:27:26,311 --> 00:27:29,689 {\an7}\h\hbut it still has about 20,000 members. 382 00:27:30,649 --> 00:27:33,777 {\an7}(Bees buzz) 383 00:27:33,819 --> 00:27:37,323 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \hThe bees flap their wings to increase their body temperature 384 00:27:37,364 --> 00:27:41,910 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hand generate heat, like thousands of tiny stoves. 385 00:27:43,704 --> 00:27:48,918 {\an7}(Bees buzz) 386 00:27:51,753 --> 00:27:54,005 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: It’s warmer at the center, 387 00:27:54,047 --> 00:27:56,716 {\an7}so they rotate places \h\h\h\hto make sure 388 00:27:56,758 --> 00:27:59,928 {\an7}every bee gets some time \h\h\h\hin the hot spot. 389 00:28:05,767 --> 00:28:07,727 {\an7}\h\h\hThe heat from their beating wings 390 00:28:07,769 --> 00:28:10,689 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hmelts the honey they stored in the summer. 391 00:28:17,529 --> 00:28:20,824 {\an7}They pass it to one another \h\h\hfrom mouth to mouth. 392 00:28:23,076 --> 00:28:24,828 {\an7}Thanks to teamwork, 393 00:28:24,870 --> 00:28:27,748 {\an7}somewhere in the middle \hof the teeming hive, 394 00:28:27,873 --> 00:28:31,752 {\an7}the most important member of the colony survives... 395 00:28:31,960 --> 00:28:33,712 {\an7}...their queen. 396 00:28:43,847 --> 00:28:46,475 {\an7}As temperatures creep above \h\h32 degrees Fahrenheit, 397 00:28:46,516 --> 00:28:49,728 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hthe worst of the freeze retreats. 398 00:28:56,401 --> 00:28:58,778 {\an7}Spring is still a long way off, 399 00:28:58,820 --> 00:29:01,781 {\an7}but it only takes the faintest \h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hhint of warmth 400 00:29:01,823 --> 00:29:05,577 {\an7}\h\h\h\hfor snowdrops and crocuses to bloom. 401 00:29:09,748 --> 00:29:11,500 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hThe tiny hike in temperature is enough 402 00:29:11,541 --> 00:29:13,793 {\an7}\h\hfor life to start stirring underground. 403 00:29:14,002 --> 00:29:17,589 {\an7}\h\hBrown dots appear in the earwigs’ eggs. 404 00:29:18,674 --> 00:29:24,889 {\an7}(♪) 405 00:29:27,849 --> 00:29:29,934 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: A shell bursts open... 406 00:29:29,977 --> 00:29:33,772 {\an7}...and a baby earwig struggles to emerge. 407 00:29:38,819 --> 00:29:41,780 {\an7}The brown dots are the eyes. 408 00:29:46,576 --> 00:29:47,869 {\an7}Like the dragonfly, 409 00:29:47,911 --> 00:29:49,996 {\an7}the larva is called a nymph, 410 00:29:50,038 --> 00:29:51,873 {\an7}a poetic name for a larva 411 00:29:51,915 --> 00:29:54,835 {\an7}that already resembles its imposing parents. 412 00:29:55,961 --> 00:29:58,630 {\an7}It’s still quite transparent. 413 00:30:01,174 --> 00:30:03,843 {\an7}But with every casting \h\h\h\h\hof its skin, 414 00:30:04,052 --> 00:30:07,013 {\an7}it will look more and more \h\h\h\h\hlike its mother. 415 00:30:23,655 --> 00:30:26,825 {\an7}\h\h\h\hTheir shells quickly grow darker. 416 00:30:28,618 --> 00:30:31,538 {\an7}Late hatchers need to get a move on... 417 00:30:36,710 --> 00:30:40,589 {\an7}...because what looks like \h\ha harmless ball game... 418 00:30:43,967 --> 00:30:47,637 {\an7}\h...actually has murderous intent. 419 00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:51,141 {\an7}\hHungry earwig nymphs are trying to crack the shells 420 00:30:51,183 --> 00:30:52,976 {\an7}and eat their sibling. 421 00:30:57,022 --> 00:30:59,775 {\an7}Those who succeed get a meal, 422 00:30:59,816 --> 00:31:02,694 {\an7}\h\h\h\hand calories that could make the difference 423 00:31:02,736 --> 00:31:04,863 {\an7}between life and death. 424 00:31:06,740 --> 00:31:10,827 {\an7}(Sinister music) 425 00:31:13,830 --> 00:31:17,042 {\an7}(Birds sing) 426 00:31:17,084 --> 00:31:18,919 {\an7}\h\hNARRATOR: Above ground, 427 00:31:18,960 --> 00:31:23,923 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hsunshine unfurls the leaves and blossoms... 428 00:31:24,132 --> 00:31:28,511 {\an7}\h\h\h...a supply of food for the first bees venturing out. 429 00:31:28,553 --> 00:31:31,514 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThey must replenish the depleted stocks of food 430 00:31:31,556 --> 00:31:32,891 {\an7}back in the hive. 431 00:31:33,975 --> 00:31:35,560 {\an7}(Bee buzzes) 432 00:31:40,649 --> 00:31:41,984 {\an7}(Bee buzzes) 433 00:31:42,025 --> 00:31:45,654 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\hThey return home to a gruesome scene... 434 00:31:51,827 --> 00:31:56,165 {\an7}\h...hundreds of dead bees littered outside the hive. 435 00:32:00,293 --> 00:32:05,048 {\an7}\h\hThe pile of corpses is part of an essential spring cleaning 436 00:32:05,090 --> 00:32:09,845 {\an7}to get ready for the next stage of the hive’s life cycle. 437 00:32:14,182 --> 00:32:17,977 {\an7}\h\h\hThese are winter bees that kept the colony alive 438 00:32:18,019 --> 00:32:21,940 {\an7}through the cold, but have died throughout the winter. 439 00:32:23,150 --> 00:32:24,943 {\an7}A spring cleaning... 440 00:32:24,985 --> 00:32:26,987 {\an7}...the bees clear out \h\h\h\h\hthe corpses 441 00:32:27,070 --> 00:32:29,114 {\an7}for the health of the hive. 442 00:32:33,034 --> 00:32:36,829 {\an7}\hInside, the colony prepares for summer. 443 00:32:36,872 --> 00:32:40,000 {\an7}Having survived the winter in the safety of the hive, 444 00:32:40,041 --> 00:32:43,920 {\an7}the queen is already doing her job of repopulating it. 445 00:32:45,130 --> 00:32:47,591 {\an7}She lays one egg after another, 446 00:32:47,632 --> 00:32:50,051 {\an7}as many as 2,000 a day. 447 00:32:51,344 --> 00:32:54,180 {\an7}By the end of the year, \h\hshe will have laid 448 00:32:54,222 --> 00:32:56,725 {\an7}up to 200,000 eggs. 449 00:32:58,143 --> 00:33:02,022 {\an7}\h\h\h\hEvery egg has its own private cell. 450 00:33:02,147 --> 00:33:04,024 {\an7}There, the workers \h\hlook after it 451 00:33:04,149 --> 00:33:06,985 {\an7}\h\h\h\huntil the larva reaches the pupa stage. 452 00:33:11,114 --> 00:33:14,034 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hIn another cell, the big moment has arrived. 453 00:33:14,075 --> 00:33:16,035 {\an7}Attended by workers, 454 00:33:16,244 --> 00:33:18,204 {\an7}a summer bee is emerging. 455 00:33:23,960 --> 00:33:27,005 {\an7}It must chew its way out of its waxy cell. 456 00:33:31,218 --> 00:33:35,055 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hLike all new workers, it will spend its first few days 457 00:33:35,096 --> 00:33:36,639 {\an7}helping to groom the queen 458 00:33:36,681 --> 00:33:40,143 {\an7}\hbefore flying out to forage for food. 459 00:33:54,115 --> 00:33:58,995 {\an7}Outside, greenery bursts forth \h\h\has the temperature rises. 460 00:34:00,288 --> 00:34:02,749 {\an7}\h\h\hTaking advantage of the warmer weather, 461 00:34:02,791 --> 00:34:06,837 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hthe earwig mother has foraged above ground... 462 00:34:06,878 --> 00:34:10,048 {\an7}...and brought home a breakfast of fresh leaves for her brood. 463 00:34:12,133 --> 00:34:15,762 {\an7}Earwigs aren’t just predators, \h\h\h\h\hthey’re omnivores... 464 00:34:21,768 --> 00:34:25,021 {\an7}...and the growing nymphs \h\h\hare always hungry. 465 00:34:27,857 --> 00:34:30,193 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hTheir shells are still translucent, 466 00:34:30,235 --> 00:34:33,864 {\an7}\h\h\hso as they eat, their vegetarian meal 467 00:34:33,905 --> 00:34:36,658 {\an7}turns them a vivid green. 468 00:34:58,179 --> 00:35:02,100 {\an7}Above ground, the weather \h\h\hsprings a surprise. 469 00:35:03,351 --> 00:35:05,812 {\an7}It’s not falling blossoms, 470 00:35:05,854 --> 00:35:07,356 {\an7}but the return of snow. 471 00:35:11,276 --> 00:35:13,069 {\an7}Unwilling to give up yet, 472 00:35:13,111 --> 00:35:15,155 {\an7}winter mounts a comeback. 473 00:35:17,449 --> 00:35:20,118 {\an7}\h\hThe sudden chill could spell disaster, 474 00:35:20,160 --> 00:35:22,162 {\an7}not just for blossom trees, 475 00:35:22,245 --> 00:35:24,330 {\an7}but also for insects. 476 00:35:27,792 --> 00:35:29,419 {\an7}In the breeding chamber \h\h\h\hof the earwigs, 477 00:35:29,461 --> 00:35:32,965 {\an7}the return of winter \hbrings a sacrifice. 478 00:35:34,424 --> 00:35:39,179 {\an7}\h\hThe earwig mother exhausted herself caring for her young... 479 00:35:39,346 --> 00:35:41,223 {\an7}...and dies. 480 00:35:44,851 --> 00:35:47,228 {\an7}To her ungrateful offspring, 481 00:35:47,270 --> 00:35:50,857 {\an7}she’s just another food source. 482 00:35:53,234 --> 00:35:55,445 {\an7}\hThe earwig nymphs crack open her shell 483 00:35:55,487 --> 00:35:59,074 {\an7}with their mouths and tuck in. 484 00:36:01,117 --> 00:36:04,203 {\an7}Her final macabre gift \h\h\h\h\hto her brood 485 00:36:04,371 --> 00:36:06,206 {\an7}\h\h\his to give them the calories they need 486 00:36:06,331 --> 00:36:09,084 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hto survive till they reach maturity. 487 00:36:22,514 --> 00:36:26,226 {\an7}(Birds sing) 488 00:36:26,267 --> 00:36:29,395 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \hBut winter only has a brief reappearance. 489 00:36:33,108 --> 00:36:39,114 {\an7}(Birds sing) 490 00:36:39,155 --> 00:36:41,324 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: As the days get longer, 491 00:36:41,366 --> 00:36:43,368 {\an7}love is in the air. 492 00:36:43,410 --> 00:36:46,246 {\an7}Birds choose their partners... 493 00:36:49,290 --> 00:36:51,793 {\an7}...and the first chicks hatch. 494 00:36:53,169 --> 00:36:56,255 {\an7}(Baby ducks quack) 495 00:36:56,297 --> 00:37:00,259 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: The blooming season brings \hfood for many species... 496 00:37:00,427 --> 00:37:03,221 {\an7}...marsh marigold, catkins... 497 00:37:06,099 --> 00:37:08,143 {\an7}...and aquatic plants. 498 00:37:09,936 --> 00:37:13,273 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hAmid the reeds, common toads begin mating, 499 00:37:13,314 --> 00:37:18,194 {\an7}\h\hseveral smaller males competing for one female. 500 00:37:18,236 --> 00:37:21,281 {\an7}Only one male wins. 501 00:37:21,489 --> 00:37:23,282 {\an7}As the mating toads swim, 502 00:37:23,408 --> 00:37:25,452 {\an7}their three-foot-long \h\h\hstring of eggs 503 00:37:25,493 --> 00:37:27,245 {\an7}trails behind them. 504 00:37:29,456 --> 00:37:30,874 {\an7}When the tadpoles hatch, 505 00:37:30,915 --> 00:37:33,167 {\an7}some will provide precious calories 506 00:37:33,209 --> 00:37:36,212 {\an7}for reawakening hungry \h\h\h\hwater insects. 507 00:37:38,006 --> 00:37:40,550 {\an7}As the water warms up, \h\h\h\hthe metabolism 508 00:37:40,592 --> 00:37:43,428 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hof the great diving beetle increases. 509 00:37:46,264 --> 00:37:50,935 {\an7}\h\h\hIt sets off to hunt again to make up for its winter fast. 510 00:37:55,982 --> 00:37:57,317 {\an7}Almost invisible, 511 00:37:57,442 --> 00:38:00,862 {\an7}a dragonfly nymph stalks its prey... 512 00:38:03,990 --> 00:38:06,326 {\an7}...a toad tadpole. 513 00:38:06,367 --> 00:38:09,328 {\an7}The nymph’s mouthparts \hare cleverly adapted 514 00:38:09,537 --> 00:38:13,416 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hto shoot forward and catch prey at a distance. 515 00:38:21,466 --> 00:38:26,179 {\an7}The great diving beetle quickly reproduces after the winter. 516 00:38:26,221 --> 00:38:29,182 {\an7}Its swimming larva \hdevelops fast... 517 00:38:30,642 --> 00:38:34,062 {\an7}\h\h\h\h...and is already a skilled aquatic hunter, 518 00:38:36,314 --> 00:38:41,069 {\an7}\h\hstrong enough to kill a toad tadpole almost as big as itself. 519 00:38:42,529 --> 00:38:45,157 {\an7}Its voracious appetite will allow it to pupate 520 00:38:45,198 --> 00:38:47,617 {\an7}into an adult beetle \h\hin a few months, 521 00:38:47,659 --> 00:38:50,620 {\an7}before the next winter sets in. 522 00:38:55,416 --> 00:38:57,501 {\an7}As the mercury surges upwards, 523 00:38:57,544 --> 00:39:00,088 {\an7}\hdifferent species of dragonfly nymphs 524 00:39:00,129 --> 00:39:03,466 {\an7}emerge from the water to climb the reeds... 525 00:39:03,508 --> 00:39:06,344 {\an7}...and clamber out of their exoskeleton. 526 00:39:11,182 --> 00:39:13,393 {\an7}After pumping up their wings... 527 00:39:15,436 --> 00:39:18,147 {\an7}...and allowing them \h\h\h\hto harden... 528 00:39:19,524 --> 00:39:22,485 {\an7}...they are ready to fly... 529 00:39:25,321 --> 00:39:27,365 {\an7}...and find a mate. 530 00:39:31,119 --> 00:39:36,416 {\an7}(Birds sing) 531 00:39:36,541 --> 00:39:39,544 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \hOut in the meadow, a young hornet queen 532 00:39:39,586 --> 00:39:41,338 {\an7}who survived the winter... 533 00:39:41,379 --> 00:39:43,214 {\an7}(Hornet buzzes) 534 00:39:43,256 --> 00:39:45,425 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\h\h...has found a suitable tree hole 535 00:39:45,466 --> 00:39:47,301 {\an7}to start a new colony. 536 00:39:49,387 --> 00:39:53,433 {\an7}She must start from scratch, \h\h\h\h\h\hsingle-handedly, 537 00:39:53,474 --> 00:39:56,352 {\an7}build the nest, forage for food, 538 00:39:56,394 --> 00:39:58,104 {\an7}lay the eggs, 539 00:39:58,146 --> 00:40:00,231 {\an7}feed her growing larvae. 540 00:40:01,190 --> 00:40:03,401 {\an7}It’s a round-the-clock job... 541 00:40:05,069 --> 00:40:07,405 {\an7}...and it lasts for weeks. 542 00:40:13,119 --> 00:40:17,373 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hFinally, 14 days after laying her first egg, 543 00:40:17,415 --> 00:40:19,417 {\an7}the hard work pays off. 544 00:40:26,633 --> 00:40:29,761 {\an7}Returning to the nest \h\h\h\hwith food... 545 00:40:29,802 --> 00:40:33,431 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h...she finds her first hatchling... 546 00:40:34,641 --> 00:40:36,309 {\an7}...which immediately starts 547 00:40:36,351 --> 00:40:39,062 {\an7}\h\h\hlooking after its sibling larvae. 548 00:40:41,606 --> 00:40:48,113 {\an7}(♪) 549 00:40:49,697 --> 00:40:54,452 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\hNow the queen has a nanny in the nursery. 550 00:40:55,703 --> 00:40:57,413 {\an7}She’s still the breadwinner, 551 00:40:57,455 --> 00:41:00,750 {\an7}bringing food she pre-chews \h\h\h\h\hfor the infants. 552 00:41:03,670 --> 00:41:06,590 {\an7}But they both share \h\hfeeding duties. 553 00:41:09,425 --> 00:41:15,640 {\an7}(♪) 554 00:41:21,354 --> 00:41:25,233 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\h\hA few days later, she gets a second helper. 555 00:41:28,611 --> 00:41:31,489 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThere are many hungry mouths to feed. 556 00:41:36,327 --> 00:41:39,121 {\an7}Two or three days after they pupate, 557 00:41:39,163 --> 00:41:42,208 {\an7}new workers will join \hthe hunt for food. 558 00:41:45,503 --> 00:41:47,547 {\an7}Tree sap is perfect... 559 00:41:47,588 --> 00:41:49,632 {\an7}...full of energy-rich sugar. 560 00:41:57,724 --> 00:42:01,228 {\an7}\h\h\h\hIn the forest, many trees are budding. 561 00:42:01,269 --> 00:42:04,522 {\an7}A giant oak unfurls its leaves. 562 00:42:06,274 --> 00:42:10,570 {\an7}The winter moth caterpillars have emerged on the oak tree. 563 00:42:10,611 --> 00:42:13,489 {\an7}\hThey’re little more than feeding machines. 564 00:42:13,531 --> 00:42:16,617 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThey must consume all the calories they can 565 00:42:16,659 --> 00:42:20,580 {\an7}\h\hso that when they briefly emerge as moths next winter, 566 00:42:20,621 --> 00:42:22,665 {\an7}they’ll have enough \h\henergy to mate. 567 00:42:27,628 --> 00:42:31,507 {\an7}\h\h\hOn the forest floor, a fire salamander appears, 568 00:42:31,549 --> 00:42:33,176 {\an7}having survived the winter 569 00:42:33,217 --> 00:42:36,554 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hsheltering in a frost-free fissure or cave. 570 00:42:39,432 --> 00:42:43,519 {\an7}\h\hA dormouse wakes from its hibernation. 571 00:42:43,561 --> 00:42:46,773 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hAnd, finally, the stag beetle that waited 572 00:42:46,814 --> 00:42:48,524 {\an7}patiently on its back 573 00:42:48,566 --> 00:42:52,487 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hnow emerges from its subterranean winter home. 574 00:42:52,528 --> 00:42:56,615 {\an7}His first instinct... \h\h\hto find a mate. 575 00:42:56,824 --> 00:43:00,911 {\an7}He picks up the pheromones \h\h\hof a nearby female. 576 00:43:00,953 --> 00:43:04,707 {\an7}But he’s not the only one \hattracted to her scent. 577 00:43:04,749 --> 00:43:06,459 {\an7}When two males meet, 578 00:43:06,501 --> 00:43:10,547 {\an7}the stage is set for battle. 579 00:43:10,588 --> 00:43:14,675 {\an7}The male’s "antlers" are actually part of its jaw. 580 00:43:14,717 --> 00:43:17,345 {\an7}\h\h\h\hBut like the deer they take their name from, 581 00:43:17,386 --> 00:43:19,597 {\an7}they use them as weapons. 582 00:43:21,891 --> 00:43:24,644 {\an7}\h\h\hThe aim is to throw their rival on his back... 583 00:43:24,811 --> 00:43:27,647 {\an7}...or right out of the tree. 584 00:43:27,814 --> 00:43:31,359 {\an7}\hThe winner’s prize is to mate with the female. 585 00:43:35,655 --> 00:43:38,867 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hA male stag beetle is enormously strong for its size, 586 00:43:38,908 --> 00:43:42,453 {\an7}able to lift 100 times \h\h\h\hits own weight. 587 00:43:43,579 --> 00:43:45,664 {\an7}Its jaws exert huge force; 588 00:43:45,873 --> 00:43:48,626 {\an7}a bite can kill its rival. 589 00:43:52,713 --> 00:43:56,634 {\an7}This loser is lucky, he survives the fall. 590 00:44:01,305 --> 00:44:04,642 {\an7}The winner wastes no time \h\h\hclaiming his prize. 591 00:44:06,477 --> 00:44:08,646 {\an7}The pairing is business-like. 592 00:44:14,318 --> 00:44:15,778 {\an7}Like her mother before her, 593 00:44:15,820 --> 00:44:17,613 {\an7}the female will lay her eggs 594 00:44:17,655 --> 00:44:19,866 {\an7}amid the rotting roots \h\hof a dead tree... 595 00:44:19,907 --> 00:44:23,661 {\an7}...food for her larvae \h\h\hwhen they hatch. 596 00:44:24,579 --> 00:44:29,667 {\an7}(♪) 597 00:44:30,918 --> 00:44:32,962 {\an7}(Birds sing) 598 00:44:33,004 --> 00:44:35,798 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Nourished on the sap \h\hof growing trees, 599 00:44:35,840 --> 00:44:38,718 {\an7}the hornet colony expands. 600 00:44:38,759 --> 00:44:42,721 {\an7}\h\h\hDozens of workers now bring not only food, 601 00:44:42,763 --> 00:44:44,390 {\an7}but also decaying wood, 602 00:44:44,432 --> 00:44:46,893 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hbitten off with their sharp jaws. 603 00:44:53,983 --> 00:44:56,944 {\an7}\h\hMixed with saliva and thoroughly chewed, 604 00:44:56,986 --> 00:45:01,532 {\an7}\h\hthe wood pulp is the bricks and mortar for the growing nest. 605 00:45:11,542 --> 00:45:13,419 {\an7}These intricate castles \h\h\h\h\h\h\hcan reach 606 00:45:13,461 --> 00:45:15,755 {\an7}as much as 20 inches high. 607 00:45:15,796 --> 00:45:19,800 {\an7}The workers constantly add \hnew floors and chambers. 608 00:45:19,842 --> 00:45:22,970 {\an7}When it’s finally ready, \h\hthis year’s new queen 609 00:45:23,012 --> 00:45:25,765 {\an7}\h\h\h\hcan fulfill her primary role... 610 00:45:25,806 --> 00:45:28,851 {\an7}...to fill the cells \h\h\hwith her eggs. 611 00:45:34,982 --> 00:45:36,650 {\an7}Laying is hungry work, 612 00:45:36,692 --> 00:45:38,777 {\an7}\h\h\hso the workers regurgitate the food 613 00:45:38,945 --> 00:45:41,656 {\an7}\hthey have gathered to feed their queen. 614 00:45:45,952 --> 00:45:50,582 {\an7}\hIt’s all to ensure their colony grows and thrives... 615 00:45:59,966 --> 00:46:04,554 {\an7}...becoming a hornet nation \h\h\hfor one brief summer. 616 00:46:15,147 --> 00:46:21,654 {\an7}(Hornet buzzes) 617 00:46:25,574 --> 00:46:29,578 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: \h\h\hColor and life is everywhere now... 618 00:46:29,620 --> 00:46:32,748 {\an7}...providing a sumptuous feast \h\h\h\h\hfor the baby earwigs 619 00:46:32,790 --> 00:46:34,750 {\an7}that forage above ground. 620 00:46:36,127 --> 00:46:42,800 {\an7}(♪) 621 00:46:43,968 --> 00:46:46,888 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Ladybugs hunt for... 622 00:46:48,514 --> 00:46:50,391 {\an7}...ladybug love. 623 00:46:50,891 --> 00:46:58,107 {\an7}(♪) 624 00:46:58,149 --> 00:47:01,152 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: And the Red Admirals are back, 625 00:47:01,193 --> 00:47:04,697 {\an7}not the ones who migrated south before the winter, 626 00:47:04,739 --> 00:47:06,449 {\an7}but a new generation, 627 00:47:06,490 --> 00:47:07,866 {\an7}hatched in southern Europe, 628 00:47:08,075 --> 00:47:11,036 {\an7}and now back in the north \h\h\h\h\hfor the summer. 629 00:47:11,954 --> 00:47:17,835 {\an7}(♪) 630 00:47:20,004 --> 00:47:23,549 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Buzzing and humming \h\hfills the air. 631 00:47:23,591 --> 00:47:25,551 {\an7}A time to feed... 632 00:47:25,593 --> 00:47:26,886 {\an7}...to breed... 633 00:47:27,053 --> 00:47:28,930 {\an7}...and to prepare... 634 00:47:28,971 --> 00:47:31,891 {\an7}...for the next winter to come. 635 00:47:31,932 --> 00:47:41,942 {\an7}(♪) 636 00:47:41,984 --> 00:47:46,947 {\an7}(♪)