Of Costa Rica's 500,000 animal species, an incredible 300,000 are insects, including butterflies, moths, beetles, dragonflies and ants. Perhaps due to the prevalence of these small animals, Costa Rica has embraced its insect population, celebrating its diversity: butterfly gardens, insect museums and other six-legged animal exhibits have set up shop around the country.

Of course, the great outdoors also offers myriad opportunities to view the country's insects up close. More than 1,250 butterfly species flit through the air, their larva and cocoons cleverly camouflaged on the forest floor or hanging leaf-like from plants.

Leaf-cutter ants build huge nests, marching across jungle pathways with cuttings several times their size. Dragonflies buzz in the air, creating beautiful blue, purple and black designs as they fly by at top speed. In Costa Rica, insects are as fascinating as any other part of nature, and even the squeamish are sure to find something interesting to investigate.

Read More About:

Butterflies

Hercules Beetle