Bugs Have More In Common With Humans Than You Probably Know

Some bugs look like humans; they can compute, rationalize, and protect on par with the upright walking and talking species. They can recognize each other by the way they look, and many partake in communal living by sharing childcare and farming responsibilities. Bugs have more in common with us than you probably imagined. 60% of our DNA matches that of a fruit fly.

For a look in the mirror, there is the Shield Bug. The markings on their back look like a distorted version of Johnny Bravo. This species of the stink bug won't be smiling for long; scientists have just discovered that stink bugs may have some nutritional value when eaten.

Ants

War has waged throughout humanity, and the most elite forces in the insect world are the army ants. Located mainly in South America, these ants communicate and strategize and remember previous battles while eating everything in their path, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Fire ants are found in Charlotte and throughout the United States. They are marauders in the vein of Genghis Khan and take no mercy on carcasses or soil that they strip. They have the human ability to weigh priorities based on past experiences. They also can change their minds. A safe assumption is that ants rationalize like humans because they've existed for so long.

Ants teach each other; they don't copy. They think, problem-solve, and reason. They also have a very detailed hierarchy that resembles the most successful corporation. If you've ever seen an ant colony, you've probably gauged that they have a lot going on in their tiny brains.

Cockroaches

It turns out that cockroaches are groomers. More specifically, they clean their antennae. A cockroaches' antennae are similar to a cat's whiskers; it helps them feel their way around. So, these bugs take the time to clean up. A study showed that the debris build-up prevents them from sniffing out odors. As odd as it sounds because of the filth they normally live in, they keep themselves clean.

Crickets

While there is no cricket bar to buy her a drink, (although Jiminy would have made a heckuva bartender) when they pair off, the male becomes chivalrous. When under attack, the male waits until the female is safely hidden before he enters the burrow, many times sacrificing himself. This not only saves his mate but entices her to keep the sperm sack(spermatophore) he deposited for a longer time. When the male cricket is not chivalrous, scientists found that she removes the spermatophore and looks for the next mate.

Crickets are also showoffs, and it stems from their aggressiveness toward each other. Cricket fighting is such a real thing that it's a sport in China. If a cricket knows that he's being observed, he battles his opponent harder.

Bees

Experiments run on bees delivered several results. Researchers have concluded that bees have more than one human characteristic. They feel stress, and they have the same adverse effects on cocaine as we do. Like a buzzing Studio 54, honeybees dance more on cocaine. Honeybees are the only animals other than humans who use symbols to communicate.

More impressive, studies show that bees can solve complex mathematical problems and make choices. It takes supercomputers to solve what's known as the Travelling Salesman Problem. Bees, on the other hand, figure it out on their own without the technology. They figure out the shortest route between flowers for maximum efficiency.

Dragonflies

It's not just your teenage children who have selective attention; dragonflies do, too. The dragonfly uses this skill when it hunts prey. https://listverse.com/2014/01/06/10-surprisingly-human-traits-found-in-insects/. If they focus on only one target, their accuracy increases to almost 97%.

Hunters

Not to be confused with a water bug (American Cockroach), the Giant Water Bug is a true insect and enjoys catching meals of fish and crustaceans. Don't interrupt their dinner as a bite is one of the most painful to humans.Then there is the granddaddy of them all, the Giant Goliath Birdeater. This tarantula can have a leg span of up to a foot and does not spin a web to catch its prey. They wait out their catch, similar to sitting in deer blind and then pounce.

As interesting as bugs having human characteristics are, it's not a reason to let them get cozy on your property. An infestation of bees, cockroaches, or fire ants wouldn't be pleasant. Researchers joke that if bees ever got together with ants, the human race would be in trouble. As it is, insects greatly outnumber humans. If you have a bug issue on your property or in your home or business, give us a call at 704-961-9307 in the Charlotte area or 704-761-9697 in the Troutman area. Service plans are available, and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

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