Eagle eye guide Gustavo spotted this tiny creature in the jungle
Costa Rica is so beautiful even the grasshoppers are cool. Except for the fact that they are the Carl Lewis of the insect world, grasshoppers are not a group of species that garners much excitement. Even crickets are more interesting. They at least create a soothing night time chirp.
The coolest grasshopper ever
In Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, our guide spotted this tiny grasshopper on a leaf just off the trail. He called it a rainbow grasshopper. Because of sightings like this, it is recommended to hike with a guide in Costa Rica. They will spot so much wildlife you would just walk right past.
In America, our grasshoppers are pretty dull looking. They are either brown or green. I have never excitedly yelled while hiking in Wisconsin or Illinois: “OOOOHHHHHH, look at that grasshopper.”
Not that I am anti-grasshopper. The fact they can jump a thousand times farther than their size is kind of intriguing, but other than that they are just not very sexy.
The wildlife in Costa Rica is truly amazing. Beautiful colored birds like the scarlet macaws and toucans call from the trees, impressive lizards crawl about the jungle floor, and earlier on this hike we had spotted a stunning tarantula on a leaf. The animal life is so gorgeous, even the grasshoppers are impressive.
It was the first time in my life I have uttered “what a beautiful grasshopper,” and I am fairly certain the only time my camera has ever sought out this jumping insect.
Stay tuned,
TT
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The first time I went to Manuel Antonio 15 years ago, I think I went through 3 of those disposable cameras. Everything was camera worthy. You’re right. The grasshoppers are even beautiful.
Don’t forget the snakes and monkeys too. I love CR. I studied Spanish there, but hadn’t been back in so long. I decided to go back a couple of years ago to visit a friend. It’s a truly special place; I met my husband while we were studying there. 😉
Cute! It looks kind of psychedelic (for a grasshopper)
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One awesome grasshopper, I should have asked you to bring me a couple back, I could use some of them here on the farm. I know you took more pics and can only fit a few on your post, perhaps a photo section for us you left behind would be in order.
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Ted, that’s certainly impressive finding a grasshopper worth getting excited over. It sounds like the diversity of wildlife on your trip would have made for an awesome adventure. I can’t wait to visit Costa Rica on my next journey.
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I took a few pics of bugs while in Costa Rica too. I loved the blue butterflies! We had a cockroach the size of my hand on the outside of our cabin one afternoon … normally I would have screamed my head off but I had to respect a bug that size!
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