There, on the leaves of a guava tree, was what looked to be a small steel object– glinting in the sun like a piece of polished chrome. But then it started crawling.
Turns out, Farmer had actually just stumbled upon one of the world’s most special beetles, Chrysina limbata, a species known for their silvery, reflective shells.
When Farmer got the beetle, she quit crawling and played dead, allowing him to obtain a better look.
” I was surprised by how gorgeous it was,” Farmer Said.” [I’ve] never ever seen anything like it.”
Farmer snapped these pictures of the beetle, who appeared almost too beautiful to be real.
” It was like a mirror. Utterly perfect reflection in the beetle,” he said. “Truly one of one of the most beautiful things I have actually ever seen.”
Farmer later concerned learn that these beetles are actually quite rare. Though once more commonly found in the area, the species has been hard hit by habitat loss– and from being captured and sold to collectors.
The beetle Farmer found that day was saved that sad fate.
” I do not believe in selling living creatures like that,” Farmer said. “I place it back on the tree, and it rapidly flew away.”
The memory, however, has actually stuck with him.
That was the first time Farmer had actually encountered a beetle like that, however he hopes it’s not the last.
” I’m very little of an insect person,” he said.” [But] I’m still amazed by it. Can not wait to see another.”
