They're big, they're loud and, for some, a little bit scary. But they also have a lot to offer.

It's the time of year when June bugs are in abundance in Prince Edward Island, and while they serve as a source of annoyance or even fear for some, experts say they're a crucial part of the ecosystem.

Paul Manning, assistant professor in the faculty of agriculture at Halifax's Dalhousie University, explained that June bug larvae and adults have different needs when it comes to feeding. The larvae feed …