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Meet the 'Ipis Lord': Philippines' Cockroach Conservation Champion

3/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cristian Lucanas, a 31-year-old entomologist at the University of the Philippines, is the Philippines' only expert on cockroaches.
He has described 15 new cockroach species and is known as the "Ipis Lord."
Lucanas argues that cockroaches play a vital ecological role and deserve more recognition.
He downplays his work by saying he is in a museum.
His girlfriend, who is also an entomologist, studies less controversial insects.

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Story summary

Cristian Lucanas, a 31-year-old entomologist at the University of the Philippines, is the Philippines' only expert on cockroaches.
He has described 15 new cockroach species and is known as the "Ipis Lord."
Lucanas argues that cockroaches play a vital ecological role and deserve more recognition.
He downplays his work by saying he is in a museum.
His girlfriend, who is also an entomologist, studies less controversial insects.