- Okay, let me make sure that my brain
is processing this correctly.
Costa Rica has 6% of the world's biodiversity,
at least a million species.
- Yes.
- [Coyote] And 60% of that million is insects.
- [Jim] Yes, Costa Rica's a real insect country.
- Oh my gosh! - Oh my gosh!
- Oh my gosh! - What!
Dude, holy cow, that is an enormous beetle!
(upbeat music)
- Thanks to Better Help for sponsoring this video.
That is a highly advanced entomology light trap.
This is my good friend and world renowned entomologist, Jim.
Say hi, Jim.
- Hello guys.
- Tonight we are using their powers combined
to draw in some of the most fascinating insects
of Costa Rica.
With the goal of catching, and then showcasing
a handful of them tomorrow under the light of day.
But before we get to that,
Jim, tell us why is this technology so advanced?
- Yeah, totally.
We have a really incredible light trap
that we use three different type of light bulbs
to interfere the navigation of the insects.
So we have the UV, the white lights,
and the mercury vapor to attract
thousands of insects that we have in this rainforest.
- Now, why is that light combination so important?
What does it replicate?
- Yes. So insects use the stars and the moon
to navigate inside of the rainforest.
So now that we have really dark conditions,
it's like the perfect time to really attract
thousands of insects in this light trap.
- So we are intercepting their path,
and with any luck,
we're going to see some really cool insects.
This is gonna take a lot of time though,
arguably all night.
So we're gonna sit back and enjoy the show
to see what sort of creatures show up.
With over 14 years of experience,
Jim's field entomology research is unprecedented
as he humbly boasts the discovery
of more than 30 new insect species.
A true fanatic of creepy crawly things,
he has dedicated his life to rainforest conservation.
And as we are about to learn, it all begins with the bugs.
All right, Jim, we are about two hours in
since the lights turned on.
There are easily over a thousand insects
on the screen at this point.
But when it comes to biodiversity in Costa Rica,
do we know how many insect species
there are in this country?
- Yeah, absolutely.
So let me explain a little bit exactly the biodiversity
that we have in this really small country,
in Central America.
Costa Rica has almost 6% of the world's biodiversity
which is insane for a country of this size.
- [Coyote] Uh huh.
- [Jim] And we estimate that it's around
a million species of everything.
You know, plants, insects, mammals,
birds, birds, reptiles, and many things more.
- Really? A million species within Costa Rica?
- Yes, exactly. - Okay.
- [Jim] And 60% of that,
over 60% of that actually are insects.
- [Coyote] So we don't know an exact number.
And that's probably because you guys
are constantly discovering undescribed species.
- Totally. You know, what we know is at least 20%
of what we have inside of Costa Rica,
we really unknown, you know,
the biodiversity of our country.
So the insects that we are going to see tonight,
80% of them are still undescribed and unnamed for science.
- Really? So you're saying 80% of the bugs
we might see tonight could be undescribed
so we could be seeing new species
that you've never seen before?
- Totally, totally.
- So here's an idea,
you're an entomologist, you know your species.
Some of you may not know,
so it may be suitable to put you up to the challenge
to see how many of these you can actually identify.
What I'd love to do is get you up next to the screen
and say, all right, I'm gonna point at one,
and you tell me if you can identify it.
- [Jim] All right.
- [Coyote] And let's see how many you get right
and how many you just don't know.
- Absolutely. I take the challenge.
- You're up for the challenge.
Okay, let's see if you can, - All right.
- let's see if you can name some bugs.
(chuckling)
- Real quick. I wanna say a big thank you to Better Help
for sponsoring this adventure.
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and it's 100% online.
That means that no matter where you are in the world,
you can talk to your own licensed professional.
Like in the comfort of your own home,
or out in the rainforest searching for creepy crawleys.
While it's true that I'm always seemingly upbeat,
in reality, my life can get really stressful.
Traveling the world, keeping up with the wild schedule,
and running a business takes its toll in many ways.
Counseling helps to ensure that my mental health
stays in top shape and it can do the same for you.
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of over 25,000 licensed and experienced therapists
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We're gonna go big. What's that?
- [Jim] This is one of the fruit feeding moths
that we have inside of the rainforest.
- Ooh, how about this one?
- [Jim] That is Xylophanes, is sphinx moth.
Real important pollinator.
- Ooh, what's that?
- [Jim] This is basically a moth that is mimicking
a really toxic group of beetles.
- [Coyote] So that is moth?
- [Jim] It's a moth that pretend to be a beetle.
- Jim, what's that?
- [Jim] So basically this belongs to a family
that we call cossidae or leopold moths.
- Another moth. Great.
- Another moth.
- All right.
I'm gonna guess that that is not a moth.
Jim, what's this?
- [Jim] Yeah, people think this is a type of dragonfly
but actually it is not.
It's one of the antlions.
And this is a predator of insects.
- Okay, I would have guessed wrong.
I thought that was a dragonfly.
Ah, okay.
Let me look.
Moth. Moth.
Oh, here we go.
What are those?
- [Jim] Well, they're basically a really important group
of pollinator beetles.
- Ooh, what about this thing down here?
Look at what I've got.
- [Jim] Oh my gosh.
- Ah! Could be a new species.
Hold on a second.
All right. All right.
I know what this is.
Cicada.
- [Jim] Totally.
- [Coyote] Ah, okay.
This one is bizarre looking.
What in the world is that?
- [Jim] I love this group of insects.
We call fulgorids, and they're really colorful.
Let me show you.
Oh, I need to be like really fast because they jump.
- You didn't squash it did you?
- No, no, no.
They're fine actually.
But let me show you how cool.
- [Coyote] It's like a dalmatian under there.
- [Jim] Yes absolutely.
All fulgorids are amazing here.
- [Coyote] Is that a moth?
- They're related with the cicadas actually.
Oh, I mean related, closely related with the cicadas.
- [Coyote] Not a moth, imagine that.
Okay, look at this.
Is that new species?
- [Jim] It's so cool. Right?
And actually we have two, two species of the same genus.
- [Coyote] Oh my gosh.
You're right.
This is like this.
- [Jim] Yeah, they are so similar
but they are like, you know, different.
The wing patterns are totally, totally different.
- And am I right, is that a moth?
- It's a moth. - It's a moth.
- It's a moth.
- I got one. Okay.
And what kind of moth?
- [Jim] It is belongs to the eribidae family too.
- [Coyote] So not a new species.
- [Jim] It's not a new species.
- Looks like it could have been, but, okay.
So let's look at these right here.
What are those?
- Well, you know, Coyote,
sometimes we don't know what we have
and takes time to realize what it is.
I dunno what it is.
- Are you talking about this one
or are you talking about that one?
- I think both.
- Both of them?
Yes, I don't know what they are.
- [Coyote] This looks like some sort of bat creature.
- [Jim] I know right?
- [Coyote] I mean, assuming it's some sort of a moth, right?
- [Jim] It is a moth.
Both are moths.
- [Coyote] Both are moths.
That looks like a piece of a stick.
- [Jim] Yeah, totally.
Like a piece of wood, right?
It's perfect camouflage.
- [Coyote] So you're saying you don't know
what these two are?
These could be undescribed species.
- Absolutely.
Absolutely.
And sometimes, you know we need to collect those specimens
and then to do the dissection to check the genitalia
to compare it with the closer species,
to figure out which kind of family it is.
And then if it's unknown, we can describe the species.
Maybe this could be the coyote.
- We'll just leave that for now.
We'll just say, these are pretty cool.
We're not gonna invade their privacy like that.
Ooh, what's that one?
- [Jim] Okay, this is a group that we call arctiidae.
So I love this group of moths.
They're trying to resemble,
really like dangerous species of wasp.
And that is why, you know, this species looks like this.
- Sure, I understand.
So aposematic coloration, mimicking a wasp.
- [Jim] Correct.
- I was really thinking I was pointing at a wasp.
Yet again, it's a moth.
All right.
Well, I would say without question,
Jim knows his bugs.
And what I've learned is that if it's not a moth,
it's probably a beetle.
Now Jim, for an amateur entomology fanatic like myself,
if I wanna identify insects out in Costa Rica
is there a good field guide that you would recommend
to everybody out there watching?
- Well, we have almost 11 years developing one app.
- You have an app for this?
- Yes, exactly.
So we are one of the authors and Biosur
has been putting so much efforts to put
all this information in the pockets of the people.
We have animals of Costa Rica app.
So we have mammal, birds, reptiles, amphibian,
fish, insects, and many things more in this app.
- [Coyote] How many species have you guys cataloged so far?
- 7,000.
- Oh my gosh!
What? Let me see!
What! This is insane! Coyote!
- Oh my gosh! - Oh my gosh!
Oh my gosh!
What? Oh my gosh, this is insane!
It's one of the largest beetles on the planet!
- Holy cow that is an enormous beetle!
Okay. That's the biggest thing we've seen the entire night.
Now don't even show the audience yet what that is.
Holy cow!
Yes, dude. Alright.
That is going to be the ultimate bug of the night.
- [Jim] Yes!
- This you're gonna absolutely have to see.
Oh my gosh, I cannot believe the size of that thing!
- [Jim] It's insane!
- Holy cow!
What kinda beetle is that?
- [Jim] This is basically megasoma elephas!
- Megasoma elephas!
- This is basically
one of the largest beetles on the planet!
- I dunno what that means but it's awesome!
- Ladies and gentlemen.
Get ready to meet the elephant beetle.
This is the moment we've been waiting for.
Jim, I'm gonna let you do the honors.
Let's bring the beetle out of the container.
I'm gonna place my arm out in front of the lens.
Man, my hand's even shaking a little bit.
Here we go.
Coyote Peterson is about to handle the elephant beetle.
- [Jim] Are you ready?
- I am ready. Go ahead.
- One of the most strong beetles of the planet in your hand.
- I am ready.
- All right.
- Ah, those claw are sharp!
Wow, that thing, it has serious weight to it.
I have never held a beetle that heavy or that strong.
Ow, ow ow, ow.
Let's see if I can just get it
to calm down in one spot there.
- [Jim] And it's so spiky, the legs as well.
- Very spiky.
Now I know the first thing that
anybody's going to notice out there watching
is that dominant horn.
Jim, what is the point of the horn on this animal?
- Yeah, totally.
So this is a male.
So basically just in males,
they have that beautiful horn
and they use that for combats between males
in the forest canopies.
So when they see another male around,
and especially if there is a lady around,
you know they're going to start like fighting
and creating a huge combat between each other
until one of them drops down on the ground.
- [Coyote] Now, when it comes to something of this size
believe it or not, they're capable of flying, are they not?
- [Jim] Yes, exactly.
So these guys are not able to really take off
and fly away just from the ground.
So they need to climb up trees to get in the forest canopy
and from there they can jump and take off.
So because they are super heavy,
this is the second heaviest insects in the planet.
- What's bigger than this?
- The Hercules beetle.
- Wow.
Maybe it's possible that the big tree behind our set up
is what this would've dropped down from.
- [Jim] Yeah, absolutely.
So the light for sure attracted this guy, but yeah,
you can realize that it's one of the most
heavy insects on the planet.
- Okay, so I'm obviously taking the impact
of these grappling hook like claws
and all the spines on the legs.
But I know one question
that the audience definitely wants answered.
Is this creature capable of biting?
Does it sting?
And is it venomous or poisonous?
- Not at all.
It's a harmless animal. - Okay.
- Really, really friendly animal.
You know, so people normally, like,
they feel afraid when they see these enormous creatures,
you know it's inside of the rainforest or
around the houses in rural areas in Costa Rica.
But yeah, I mean, it's a really friendly creature, actually.
- Yeah. You know, it's very intimidating looking.
I mean, they say, don't judge a book by its cover.
You can't judge an insect on its alien nature.
This looks like something that would,
you know grapple onto you
and just inflict a painful bite or a venomous sting.
But like you said, completely harmless.
So what threats does an animal like this,
and all insects for that matter,
face within the Costa Rican rainforest?
- Yeah. Well, Coyote, I feel really worried
about the conservation of this group of animals
because they are crucial
for the functioning of our ecosystems.
40% of the biomass of insects are gone
in less than 10 years in Costa Rica.
And there are three really important problems
that still we need to work to fix this.
So we are facing the losing of habitats that is around 60%
of the threats of insects.
And also, you know, the using of pesticides in our crops
which is creating a huge problem
with this, the biomass of insects,
and of course, climate change.
- [Coyote] Okay. So it breaks down into three categories,
essentially, mechanical, the destruction of environment,
chemical, which is pesticides and pollution
and then all inclusive with climate change itself.
- [Jim] Totally.
- And what happens if let's say all the insects
on our planet were to disappear,
what then happens to humankind?
- Yeah, we disappear with them.
So people do not realize that we depends of insects.
So all the insects are the most important creatures.
We cannot imagine birds without insects.
We can't imagine that we are going to get food
in our table without insects neither.
- People are oftentimes afraid of insects
because they're misunderstood.
And what we're realizing in talking with you Jim,
and working with your team and filming this episode
is the insects need conservation.
We're worried about things like polar bears,
and rhinos and all of these megafauna species.
While that conservation is certainly important,
these creatures need our support as well.
And you're doing something very interesting
in the Osa Peninsula with your organization Biosur.
tell us a little bit about the focus
and the goal for what you have going there.
- [Jim] Yes. So one of the major goals that we have right
now is to keep protecting you know the tropical rainforest,
still there are many areas that are for sale
that are unprotected.
And that is what we're trying to do.
To protect the habitats of really endangered species
that keeps disappearing in our planet.
You know, it's crucial, and I think it's, you know,
to save the rainforest would be one of the best solutions
against climate change.
- Jim, thank you so much for having us
as a part of your research on this trip.
- Amazing.
- We're gonna release this beetle back out
into the wild tonight,
so we'll show you guys some of those shots.
But Jim, this has been fantastic.
- All right.
Can I challenge you something?
You challenge me, I challenge you.
- Oh, you're gonna give me a challenge?
- Of course.
- What's the challenge?
- To put that animal on your face.
(both laughing)
- On my face? Wow. Okay.
Well, I'm not one to turn down a challenge.
- You like painful things, so you should try that.
- Okay. I have a feeling that everybody have to watch.
It's like, yeah, Coyote, let's see what happens
when you place that on your face, man.
I'm kind of actually worried a little bit about my eyeballs,
but, okay, here we go.
- All right.
- I'll put it on the side of my head.
I'm closing my eye though for this one.
All right, ready? Here we go.
- [Jim] Okay.
- [Together] One, two, three.
- You can see how much strong it is!
- Oh, it's in my ear.
- [Jim] Oh no.
- Ah! Wow, that's really really sharp.
Okay. I think we can get the beetle off now.
- Okay. Okay. - Protect my eyes.
- Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
I got it.
- Well, there you have it, guys.
The ultimate bug amphitheater.
I'm Coyote Peterson.
Be brave.
Stay wild.
We'll see you on the next adventure.
Jim, that was awesome. - Thank you.
- [Coyote] During my time spent working alongside Jim
I garnered a new understanding
for the importance of insects.
To put it simply, without these alien looking creatures,
many of us consider creepy,
there would be no us.
Insects are pollinators and without them,
the plants from which we rely so heavily
as a food source for survival would disappear.
And if the plants vanish,
it's just a few measly years before the human species
as we know it ceases to exist.
It's a harrowing reality
whether you want to believe it or not.
And the only way to slow or maybe even stop it
begins with preserving the rainforest.
The Biosur Foundation aims to do just that,
but they need your help.
As a nonprofit, they promote rainforest conservation,
scientific research, and environmental education.
The future of our rainforests relies
upon the unity of our efforts.
And if you would like to get involved,
learn more, or even make a donation,
please make sure to check out their site
and follow them on social media for weekly updates.
(upbeat music)