The Most Bizarre Bugs You’ll Find 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.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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.

Emerald cicada
The emerald cicada is a boisterous and strangely beautiful bug. These large cicadas are so loud that they can mute out all other noises. There are several species of cicada in Costa Rica and they all go through a very bizarre life cycle that starts by spending several years in the ground. The males are the ones that sing, in order to attract a female, and their song can reach 100 decibels, which could cause permanent hearing damage if one were to sing directly into your ear.

Glass-wing butterfly
The glass-wing butterfly’s wings resemble a delicate stained-glass window. There are 64 species of this elegant butterfly that migrate through and reside in Costa Rica. Their transparent wings help them camouflage to blend into their surroundings.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.