There are billions of animal species in nature that are unknown to man, and they are diverse. These are the creatures that make the world wonderful and habitable. Most of them are stationary and are harmless to humans. However, there are rare species that people encounter when they visit the great outdoors, and nature lovers spread the news to various social media platforms, which causes heated discussions among netizens.
Michael Farmer from Costa Rica was walking in the backyard of his property when he noticed a moving object on a leaf of a guava tree that looked metallic. After picking it up and observing it for some time, he realized that it was a rare scarab beetle known as Chrysina limbata, a species that can only be found in the mid-altitude forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
The metallic scarab beetle he saw reflected like a mirror, and its silver color was consistent all over its tiny body. Initially, people who encounter these species would assume they were painted. When Michael discovered it sitting on a guava leaf in his backyard, he said, “I was amazed by how beautiful it was,” he admits. “I’ve never seen anything like it. There is utterly flawless reflection in the beetle, and it was truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
Although the metallic beetle was a rare find and was an amazing discovery of the day, Michael only took a few shots of the beetle and carefully returned the beetle to the guava leaf. A few seconds later, it flew away. “Although I’m not much of an insect person,” Michael admits, “I am still amazed by it. Can’t wait to see another.”
According to various online media, the rare scarab beetle, known as the Chrysina limbata, is usually found in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Mexico, or South America. Its exoskeleton reflects in light since its body and wings are made of several layers of chitin which causes the metallic appearance.
Unfortunately, this species of beetle is nearly extinct and very rare. Their numbers are gradually decreasing. If you encounter them someday out in the wild, remember to return them to nature after a minute or 2 of admiration. Sadly, these species are often caught and sold to avid collectors.
“I don’t believe in selling living creatures like that,” Michael said. “I put it back on the tree, and it rapidly flew away.”
The beetle Michael Farmer found was spared the unfortunate fate. However, the memory of encountering such a rare find will stay with him forever.
Images credits: © Michael Farmer @michael_farmer_meteoritehunter/Instagram
