Nature Observation

All over TCU's campus there are these quick-crawling speedy insects that monopolize every dark, warm area that they can find. Unfortunately, for me, this makes my walks home from the library late at night particularly difficult. The scurry quickly along the lit cement, making their presence quickly known.

These beetle like bugs have 6 legs, though I was not able to acquire this data through simply gazing at them. Their hurried movements make it hard to tell the distinct shape and makeup. After taking the time to sit down and study them, it was obvious that their legs are long allowing them to move quickly about. Additionally, they have long antennas at their head, which I would assumed to be their best asset. It allows them to sense danger. This prevents them from being smushed from disgusted humans like me. I have often see bugs crushed by the human foot, with the bugs' legs up in the air slowly twitching, as if gasping for life. Cockroaches though, only struggle for a short period of time, and then perk right back up.

These creatures can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. I watched one squeeze into the crevice between two bricks with ease. The legs have small feelers all the way on the sides. The bug was mostly brown with lighter colors surrounding the head. The head seems to have one are eye that is aided with its antennas.

It is interesting to me that such a small creature can be so feared of and noticeable. I run away from this insect, in hopes not to have an encounter with it. Further, I find it interesting how resilient the cockroach is. The cockroach can live one week without a head and one month without water. That's amazing! While I may dislike the creepy, crawly creatures, I think that they are animals with unique and strategic abilities, causing me to appreciate this creature of nature.

#bugslife