yep! There are insects in the rainforest!
Here’s the thing: you don’t survive the rainforest despite the insects—you survive because of them. They’re the engineers of this giant green machine.
Insects are the unsung heroes and occasional mild nightmares of these lush ecosystems. They pollinate, decompose, feed, clean, and generally keep the jungle running like a very weird, very efficient corporation.
you’re bugging me!
You’ve packed for your long-awaited jungle adventure. You’ve got your breathable pants, eco-friendly bug spray, and maybe even a hat that makes you look like an off-brand Indiana Jones. You’re dreaming of towering trees, mysterious animal calls, and that perfect selfie with a toucan.
Let’s pause here for a moment and talk about a little—no, billions of—something you might not have fully considered: the insects.
Yes, my friend. There will be insects in the rainforest and not just a few polite ants and the occasional butterfly. We’re talking about the buzzing, crawling, flapping, jumping carnival that is the rainforest insect scene. The “Eco” in Eco-Lodge stands for “ecology,” as in the relationship between organisms (like bugs) and their surroundings. If you’re squeamish, buckle up. If you’re curious, welcome to the front row. They can be cute, and they are usually fascinating to watch.
Stay at
Book directly with us and receive the lowest rate!
Use Bonus Code 'ballenas' for a special discount.
-----------------
Playa Dominical from above
Playa Dominicalito
Rainforest bug crawl
Imagine Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Now make it louder, wilder, and with more legs. That’s the rainforest any day of the week. Insects are the unsung heroes and occasional mild nightmares of these lush ecosystems. They pollinate, decompose, feed, clean, and generally keep the jungle running like a very weird, very efficient corporation.
Some Key Attendees:
- Leafcutter ants: These little dudes are basically rainforest landscapers and fungus farmers. They carry bits of leaves ten times their size like tiny overachievers and somehow never quit. Also, their highways are more organized than your morning commute.
- Bullet ants: The pain from their sting has been compared to “walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail in your heel.” But they don’t want to sting you. You’re not that interesting. Just don’t step on them. Or touch them. Or look at them weird. Or stand still too long–anywhere.
- Butterflies the size of your face: Majestic? Yes. Stunning? Usually. Slightly unsettling when they fly directly at you? Also yes. But hey, you came for the rainforest magic, and here it is in full, iridescent wingspan.
- Mosquitoes: Oh, they’ll be there. Like uninvited cousins at a family BBQ, they show up in swarms, sip your blood, and leave itchy souvenirs. But they’re also a vital food source for a lot of other creatures. Circle of life and all that.
- Spiders: Regardless of your feelings about spiders, they are hard workers. They spin the most beautiful webs and should get some credit. Mostly, if you leave them alone, they will reciprocate.
The Whales Tale of Playa Uvita
Bugality Television
Nature isn’t just wild—it’s messy, dramatic, and fascinating.
Instead of creepy, think of the bugs as talented. They can put on a show!
- Glow in the dark fungus gnats: Certain gnat larvae glow to attract prey. Their bioluminescence draws in other insects, which the larvae then ambush. It’s like a spooky little bug horror movie with mood lighting.
- Leafcutter Ants: Hard-working farmers. Leafcutter ants don’t eat the leaves they carry; they use them to grow underground fungus gardens. The fungus is their true food, making these ants agriculturalists—millions of years ahead of humans.
- Jumping spiders with dance moves: Tiny jumping spiders perform elaborate courtship dances. Think of it as the bug version of “So You Think You Can Dance”—with high stakes and eight legs.
- Caterpillars that pretend to be snakes: Moth caterpillars (like Hemeroplanes triptolemus) can inflate their heads and display false eyes to mimic a snake’s face. It’s wild—predators often back off instantly.
The ‘ventana’ at Playa Ventanas
Survival tips
Leave the flip-flops at the beach. Bring your repellent. Tuck your socks in. Shorts can be okay, but shoes are a must.
If you do take fairly innocent bites away as a souvenir, the locals swear by alcohol. Put a little vodka or gin on the bite and maybe drink the rest to dull the irritation.
Take a deep breath (through your nose, ideally not during gnat season), and remember:
You’re in their world now. And it’s kind of amazing.
No crowds at Playa Matapalo
embrace the wiggle
Insects in the rainforest aren’t just a “thing to deal with.” They’re part of the epic story. The rainforest hums because of them. You can’t have Jurassic Park-level jungle vibes without a few creepy-crawlies in the cast.
The next time you find yourself deep in the rainforest, surrounded by buzzing, clicking, and the occasional suspicious rustling—just smile.
You’ve officially made it to the coolest insect show on Earth.
Please note!
- The insects don’t seem to care that the rainforest and the beach are different ecosystems. They are the locals, after all. So remain aware. Usually, the bugs scamper away. Except for those nasty ants. They like to bite hard and fast. The burn is real, and the itch is no better.
We have mapped the beaches on this map
Click on the red markers to see the name of the beach.
Playa Dominical
Playa Dominicalito
Playa Uvita
Playa Ventanas
Playa Matapalo
Hotel Villas Rio Mar
Read more articles of our Travel Blog