Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, is home not only to exotic birds, unique mammals, and extraordinary plants, but also to an impressive variety of insects that often go unnoticed. Some of these insects are so rare or striking that they seem straight out of a science fiction movie. In this article, we present four of the strangest insect species found in Colombia: the harlequin beetle, the Surinam burrowing cockroach, the golden tortoise beetle, and the white-spotted longhorn beetle.
The rarest insect species of Colombia
Harlequin Beetle (Acrocinus longimanus)
The harlequin beetle is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching beetles in South America. Its body can reach up to 7 cm in length and displays an incredible pattern of colors: black with red and yellow markings that resemble a harlequin costume—hence the name. Its most impressive feature is its elongated front legs, especially in males, which can be longer than the body itself.
This beetle inhabits humid tropical forests in the Amazon region and some parts of Colombia’s Pacific coast. It is mainly found on decaying logs, as its larvae feed on dead wood, playing a key ecological role as a forest recycler. Despite its intimidating appearance, it poses no threat to humans.
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Surinam Burrowing Cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)
Although its name might raise some eyebrows, the Surinam burrowing cockroach is a fascinating insect and very different from common urban cockroaches. It prefers to live in moist, organic-rich soils and can be found in Colombia’s tropical zones, particularly in rural and jungle areas with soft soil, such as the Amazon and the Magdalena River region.
One of its most peculiar traits is that it reproduces through parthenogenesis—meaning the females can produce offspring without mating with a male. Its body is dark brown, shiny, and robust, perfectly adapted for digging underground. While not considered dangerous or harmful, its reproductive efficiency can make it an agricultural pest in some regions.
Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata)
Small but stunning, the golden tortoise beetle is a living jewel. Measuring only 5 to 7 mm, its body has a metallic appearance that can range from gold to silver to bronze, with a rounded shape that resembles a shield or tortoise shell. Its bright coloration is not static—it can change depending on the insect’s emotional state, humidity, or even temperature.
This beetle can be found in warm, humid climates, especially in areas with lush vegetation such as coffee plantations, gardens, and rural zones in the Andean and Caribbean regions. It feeds on the leaves of plants from the morning glory family, including sweet potatoes and bindweeds. Harmless to humans, its rarity makes it an object of fascination for entomologists and collectors alike.
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White-Spotted Longhorn Beetle (Batocera rubus)
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Also known as a longhorn beetle due to its extremely long antennae, the white-spotted longhorn beetle is another exotic insect found in the humid forests of Chocó and some parts of the Colombian Amazon. Its elongated body can reach up to 6 cm in length and features irregular white spots on a dark brown or black background. Its antennae, sometimes longer than the body itself, are one of its most striking features.
This insect belongs to the Cerambycidae family, known for their wood-boring abilities. The larvae of the white-spotted longhorn beetle feed inside trees, which can cause damage to vegetation when populations are large. However, in its natural habitat, it plays an important role in the decomposition processes of the forest.