5 Bizarre Bugs You Can Spot in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an insect lover’s dreamland. Around 34,000 species of insect have been identified in the country, and more are being discovered on a regular basis. Some of Costa Rica’s bugs are so beyond the norm that you’ll have to see them to believe that they actually exist. Here are some of them.

* Red-legged grasshopper

The red-legged grasshopper, commonly called a langosta in Costa Rica, is a mammoth grasshopper with very poor navigational skills. They typically flourish during the dry season months and can proliferate in unsettling numbers in some places and in some years. They look like colorful fairies when in flight, but watch out – they are likely to run right into you.

* Rhinoceros beetle

The rhinoceros beetle, also called the Hercules or elephant beetle, is jaw-droppingly huge. This beetle is one of the largest in the world and can grow to more than 18 centimeters (seven inches) long. They can be found in the tropical forests of Costa Rica and are surely a shocking sight. Only the males have the large front horn, which they use during mating season battles.

* Luminescent click beetle

While there are thousands of species of click beetles found around the world, the luminescent click beetle is one that will definitely catch your eye. The tropical dry forests of Guanacaste host these bright creatures. The luminescent click beetle has two glowing spots on the back of its head and one under its abdomen. Unlike fireflies, the click beetle doesn’t flash its lights, but it can increase or decrease its brightness.

* Jewel scarab

The jewel scarab is a dazzling beetle with a brilliant metallic body. Both the gold and silver jewel scarab can be found in Costa Rica and, depending on the way the light hits their bodies, their color can range right across the spectrum.

* Walking stick bug

The walking stick bug is a true master of disguise. The insects are commonly found in the dry Guanacaste region and blend right into the forest landscape; there are other species of stick bug that live in the wetter parts of Costa Rica. This incredible insect perfectly resembles a stick and you will likely miss it if it’s not moving.