The Crazy Bug!

Well today we had a fun discovery! We went to say hello to some friends here and they told us to come in. They also told us they wanted to show us something. We had no idea what it was and then we saw IT! It was the biggest, oddest, unique insect we have ever seen! Steve and I realized the kids would love to see it, so we returned later with the kids and our camera. Even our friends, who are Guatemalan, had never seen this insect before and didn't know what it was or if it was dangerous.
The kids were amazed and so curious when they saw it! Noah kept going closer and closer and yet we didn't know if it was safe to go close. So I took a ton of photos and the kids and I began investigating, once we were at home. We found out it was a Giant Harlequin Beetle, commonly found in tropical places, living in trees (especially fig trees or dying, decaying trees). It is not supposed to be dangerous or poisonous to humans as it feeds off trees and sap. I have never in my life seen a beetle quite like this one! So fun to learn and live the experience- just part of our adventure here!