Nothing to get bugged about

Shield bugs often have brightly decorated wing cases on their backs and it was with great joy that I recently encountered a rather aptly named Harlequin Bug, whilst rambling on the hills above San Isidro. I spotted the creature resting on some leaves and was glad I had my camera with me. I was also glad I hadn't trodden on the little fellow. With its red colouration this dandy of the insect world would surely win any bug fashion show.

True bugs also have modified mouthparts that they use to pierce things and suck up the juices inside. Some feed on plant juices and are pests, while others like the Bed Bug feed on us and so we can definitely call them pests too.

Another group, known as the Homoptera, includes the aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, cicadas, and scale insects. These Homoptera have the rather dubious distinction of being probably some of the most destructive insects in the world. Certainly here in Tenerife, gardens are plagued with whitefly. Besides killing the plants the horrible little things fly up at you in a cloud like a mini snowstorm in reverse.

I may have a problem with whitefly but in general I like bugs. I will rescue them too. If I see a flying insect trapped in a room I will guide the poor creature to an open window. I take delight in thinking that they will find their way home, and in some strange sort of karma, that my good turn will be returned.

When I was little boy I delighted in popping beetles and caterpillars and other six-legged small creatures into a jar or matchbox and taking them home to keep as pets and to identify. Look what I've found I would tell my parents and my dad would help me find out the names from a book.

Most visitors to Masca are amazed by the beauty of the mountains and the craggy rocks in this Shangri-la of the Canary Islands, but I find the insect life there just as wonderful. Giant lizards that were once believed to be extinct have recently been discovered on the cliffs but I am sure if these reptiles could hideaway in Masca, then there are probably some very rare insects living there too.

A very common type of insect that everyone seems to hate here in the Canary Islands is the cockroach. Personally I think they are fascinating creatures and I used to keep the Madagascan Hissing variety as pets. I was once featured in the South Wales Echo as "Bugman Steve Andrews" and I had one of these large insects crawling across my forehead.

There are a lot of people who collect and breed the many different types. In fact, if you search online you will find The Blattodea (Cockroaches) Culture Group and Allpet Roaches, "a site dedicated to all roach enthusiasts."

The Cockroach was also the inspiration for the popular song "La Cucuracha," and the dance of the same name. Just goes to show there's always a good side to everything. You don't have to let them bug you!

Footnote: First published in the Western Sun, July 2005.

Copyright © 2012 Steve Andrews. All Rights Reserved.