Scientists find biggest-ever Californian bug

Scientists said they have discovered at least half-a-dozen new insect species in Southern California, including the largest bug ever found in the region.

The insects, still without scientific names, are mostly varieties of the Jerusalem cricket, a six-legged, wingless bug. Some specimens reach lengths of three inches or more and resemble bloated ants.

‘‘This is the largest insect by mass in Southern California and it was undescribed’’ scientifically, said zoologist Robert Fisher in San Diego.

The other insects include new species of silk-spinning cricket and millipede. The discoveries are unusual given that Southern California is densely built-up.