For a close-up look at the struggle between man and nature along the Chesapeake Bay, consider one endangered insect.

Reports from WJZ13 and The Bay Net explain that at least 100 homes in a southern Maryland neighborhood called Calvert Cliffs are infested with a rare beetle named Puritan Tiger Beetle. Ironically, the beetle that is endangering the homes has been on the endangered species list itself. Though a majority of the beetle population lives in Maryland, only an estimated 5,000 of them are left.

The homes in Calvert County are on land that is eroding, which puts the homes at risk for collapsing into the Chesapeake Bay. Some homes are now perched very close to the edge of eroding cliffs. The homeowners have proposed various ways of countering the erosion and secure their homes, including construction of retaining walls, but government officials have said  these measures may interfere with the survival of the beetles, which burrow into the eroding cliffs to lay their eggs and reproduce.

This epitomizes the struggle between man versus nature near the Bay. People want to live on the waterfront properties, yet development imposes on the natural ecosystem and environmental habitat. These rare beetles don’t have a place to live.

This serves as a reminder that when it comes to the Chesapeake Bay and other vast ecosystems, every element is connected. There are many facets to consider. Especially since no one wants pesky beetles in their homes.