Michael Farmer’s ordinary day transformed into an extraordinary one as he walked through his property in Costa Rica. What he discovered was so astonishing, it seemed almost surreal.
On a guava tree, amidst the lush foliage, something caught his eye — a tiny, shimmering object that sparkled in the sunlight, resembling a piece of finely polished metal. As he moved closer, this seemingly inanimate object began to move. It wasn’t just any object, but a living, breathing creature.
This creature was the Chrysina limbata, a beetle species distinguished by its shiny, mirror-like shell. This was a face-to-face encounter with one of the planet’s most spectacular beetles, and Farmer was in awe.
Intrigued, Farmer gently picked up the beetle. In response, the beetle ceased moving and feigned death, a natural defense mechanism, giving him an opportunity to closely observe its beauty.
After this encounter, Farmer delved into learning more about these beetles and discovered their rarity. The Chrysina limbata, once a common sight in this region, now faces the threats of habitat loss and the dangers of being captured for trade by collectors. Fortunately, the beetle Farmer stumbled upon was safe from such a fate.
For Farmer, this was a first-time experience, but one he hopes to repeat. His unexpected meeting with the Chrysina limbata was not just a moment of wonder but a reminder of the extraordinary natural beauty that can still be found in the world.