Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
72 species across birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects. Filter by category, region, or elevation.
Catalog expanding — Michael adds species after each tour.
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Plan a private tour →Resplendent Jewel Scarab in Costa Rica
Chrysina resplendens
Scarab Beetles · ~3 cm · highland
Cloud Forest
Spectacular small beetle whose body is so mirror-bright it looks like polished gold. Found in high-elevation cloud forests of the Talamanca range.
Fun Facts
- ▸One of the few organisms on Earth to reflect circularly polarized light.
- ▸Mirror-like sheen comes from microscopic chiral structures in the exoskeleton.
- ▸A specimen of Chrysina resplendens routinely sells for hundreds of dollars among collectors.
Best Months
May – November
Featured On
- · 7-Day Private Birding Tour
