What is a Palmetto Bug?
While discussing the creation of our newsletter, our article in VW Trends and then these web pages, it occurred to me (and some of my fellow VW nuts) that we should probably describe what a Palmetto Bug actually is.
Odds on, if you live in South Florida, you have already encountered a Palmetto Bug or two. What are they? Simply stated, a Cockroach. But not your ordinary run of the mill cockroach. No, they are nothing like the cute little creepy crawlies you see in Orkin commercials.
For one thing, Palmetto Bugs tend to be a bit larger then your average roach. I'm not kidding when I say that I have seen them grow to three inches or more. You may think cockroaches are gross, but the experience is much more vivid when all the gory details are magnified. As if that wasn't enough, Palmetto Bugs can fly! Yes, fly. You have never been creeped out, until you see a three inch roach fly up and land on the table next to you. And it gets worse, Palmetto Bugs aren't afraid of the light. You're just as likely to encounter one during the day as at night. The last little detail to distinguish the Palmetto Bug from your average cockroach is that they are armored. Step on one and you're lucky if you get its attention. You don't even get the pleasure of squishing one.
So, when it came time to name our humble little club, the wife of one of our charter members (thanks Angie) thought it only fitting. Palmetto Bugs are larger then you would expect, they fly, you see them day and night, and they are very rugged. Seems like a natural choice for the name of a club devoted to our favorite car.
