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BUG FOUND SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- Scientists said Thursday they have discovered the largest bug ever found inspecies in Southern California. April 5, 2002 Posted: 8:55 AM EST (1355 GMT) |
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BUG FOUND SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- Scientists said Thursday they have discovered the largest bug ever found inspecies in Southern California. April 5, 2002 Posted: 8:55 AM EST (1355 GMT) |
| The newly identified insect, still unnamed scientifically, is a variety
of the Jerusalem cricket, a six-legged, wingless bug marked by its heft.
Some specimens reach lengths of 3 inches or more and resemble bloated ants.
The insect is thought to play an important role in the ecosystem, both as a food source for animals such as coyotes and as a host for a parasite that calls the crickets home for a portion of its life. The finding is unusual given that Southern California is densely urbanized, a threat to many species. |
