During a recent 3 month trip to Central America the abundance and variety of wildlife seen was stunning. The insects and arachnids were no exception. Here follows a small selection of some of the species we came across. (Apologies for the lack of identification on these, I was hoping someone out there may be able to help?)
Countries visited Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica.
1. Whilst staying on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica we came across this giant clinging to a gate post of our cabina. The gardener came over and explained these 'Elephant Beetles' are becoming increasingly rare. Aparently some of the locals catch and kill them to cut off the beetles 'trunk'. This is painted gold and worn on a chain as a symbol of virility.
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3. Just to add some scale to this huge beetle. Unfortunately we never saw it fly. They must look and sound like minature helicopters.
4. Another 'giant', this one a caterpillar found on a night walk. I would be really interested to know what this would eventually turn into. It was about the size and shape of a Cuban cigar.
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7. Looks like a gathering of ticks around the caterpillars head.
8. Small mantis found on a tree trunk in central Costa Rica.
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11. We stayed on Bocas Del Toro in Panama. Whilst out walking near the beach we were stopped in our tracks by a Tarantula Wasp dragging its unfortunate victim over the dusty path. It was clearly a massive effort for the wasp which kept resting every few feet. At one stage it left the spider and flew off, it seemed to be getting its bearings before returning and dragging its load in a new direction.
12.
13. Bulky spider found among the leaf litter in Costa Rica.
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15. Shield Mantis
Thanks for viewing.
Countries visited Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica.
1. Whilst staying on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica we came across this giant clinging to a gate post of our cabina. The gardener came over and explained these 'Elephant Beetles' are becoming increasingly rare. Aparently some of the locals catch and kill them to cut off the beetles 'trunk'. This is painted gold and worn on a chain as a symbol of virility.
2.
3. Just to add some scale to this huge beetle. Unfortunately we never saw it fly. They must look and sound like minature helicopters.
4. Another 'giant', this one a caterpillar found on a night walk. I would be really interested to know what this would eventually turn into. It was about the size and shape of a Cuban cigar.
5.
6.
7. Looks like a gathering of ticks around the caterpillars head.
8. Small mantis found on a tree trunk in central Costa Rica.
9.
10.
11. We stayed on Bocas Del Toro in Panama. Whilst out walking near the beach we were stopped in our tracks by a Tarantula Wasp dragging its unfortunate victim over the dusty path. It was clearly a massive effort for the wasp which kept resting every few feet. At one stage it left the spider and flew off, it seemed to be getting its bearings before returning and dragging its load in a new direction.
12.
13. Bulky spider found among the leaf litter in Costa Rica.
14.
15. Shield Mantis
Thanks for viewing.
:clap:
