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Ecos del Bosque

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BIODIVERSITY

Osa serves as a vital bridge between North and South America, where a remarkable array of flora and fauna coexist. Actually, 5% of worlwide biodiversity exists in Costa Rica, and the Osa region is one of the best placer to witness it. It has a touch of both Americas, this region is the very frontier in the Americas, and renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. The Osa region, located in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, is a remarkable testament to the planet’s natural diversity.

The Osa’s tropical rainforests and mountain ranges are a living laboratory of ecological richness. These habitats host iconic wildlife such as pumas, scarlet macaws, and trogons, alongside a vast array of plant species, many of which hold traditional and medicinal significance. This region serves as a critical migratory corridor and conservation hub, connecting ecosystems and supporting the health of global biodiversity.

Exploring the Osa region offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur and witness unspoiled landscapes teeming with life. From its towering canopy to its vibrant forest understory, the Osa is a treasure trove of ecological wonders waiting to be discovered.

DISCLAIMER: The next pictures were taken at the reserve by our team. However, we can never guarantee that you will see them during the stay. We do not sell tours to find specific species.

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Amphibians

Dendrobates Auratus - Bright green and black poison dart frog
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Scientific Name: Dendrobates Auratus.
Common Name: Green and Black Poison Frog.
Habitat: Rainforests and tropical zones; preferring rivers, creeks, and ponds.
Status: Least Concern.

Oophaga Granulifera - Red and black endangered poison frog
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Scientific Name: Oophaga Granulifera.
Common Name: Granular Poison Frog.
Habitat: Rainforests and tropical zones; preferring rivers, creeks, and ponds.
Status: Endangered (endemic to Costa Rica, Pacific slope).

Emerald Glass Frog - Green amphibian in rainforest habitat
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Scientific Name: Espadarana prosoblepon.
Common Name: Emerald Glass Frog.
Description: Dorsal skin often has small black spots; nostrils on raised ridges.
Distribution: Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests up to 1,900 m a.s.l.
Status: Least Concern.

Hypsiboas Rosenbergi - Green and yellow amphibian in rainforest habitat
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Scientific Name: Hypsiboas (Hyla) rosenbergi.
Common Name: Rosenberg's Treefrog.
Habitat: Rainforests and tropical zones (Pacific slope only in CR).
Status: Least Concern.

Agalychnis callidryas - Red-eyed Leaf Frog
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Scientific Name: Agalychnis callidryas.
Common Name: Red-eyed Leaf Frog.
Habitat: Rainforests and tropical zones; common species near rivers, creeks, ponds.
Status: Least Concern.

Rhinella marina - Marine Toad
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Scientific Name: Rhinella (Bufo) marina.
Common Name: Marine Toad.
Habitat: Gardens, roads, tropical zones; nocturnal, near human settlements.
Status: Least Concern.

Leptodactylus savageii - Savage's Bull Frog
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Scientific Name: Leptodactylus savageii.
Common Name: Savage's Bull Frog.
Habitat: Tropical forests, ponds, creeks.
Status: Least Concern.

Craugastor fitzingeri - Common Rain Frog
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Scientific Name: Craugastor (Eleutherodactylus) fitzingeri.
Common Name: Common Rain Frog.
Habitat: Rainforests and gardens.
Status: Least Concern.


Birds

fiery billed aracari perched on a branch
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Scientific Name: Pteroglossus frantzii
Name: Fiery-billed Aracari
Habitat: Only on Pacific Slopes. It inhabits forests, forest edge, and garden areas. Endemic to Costa Rica and Panama.
Status: Least Concern

masked tityra perched on an old branch
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Scientific Name: Tityra semifasciata.
Name: Masked Tityra.
Habitat: The red orbital area differentiates both sexes from Black-crowned Tityra. Up to 1,800 meters. Frequently, it makes dry, buzzy squeaks. It is very widespread in Costa Rica.
Status: Least Concern.

velvety manakin perched on small branch in the under story of the tropical rainforest
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Scientific Name: Lepidothrix velutina.
Name: Velvety Manakin.
Habitat: In lives in Pacific lowlands and foothills. Up to 1,400 meters above sea level.
Status: Least Concern.

tiger heron hunting on a river
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Scientific Name: Tigrisoma mexicanum.
Name: Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.
Habitat: It is common in lowlands up to 500 meters above sea level, near rivers and creeks.
Status: Least Concern

Puffbird standing on a high tree
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Scientific Name: Notharchus hypperhynchus.
Name: White-necked Puffbird.
Habitat: Normally widespread on both slopes, on lowlands, up to 600m. It regularly perches on exposed branches and scattered trees.
Status: Least Concern

scarlet macaw eating malay apple
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Scientific Name: Ara macao.
Name: Scarlet Macaw.
Habitat: It is found in Carara area and the Osa Peninsula.
Status: Least Concern

Toucan - Ramphastos ambiguus
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Scientific Name: Ramphastos ambiguus
Name: Black-mandibled Toucan
Habitat: On Caribbean and Pacific Slopes, common in lowlands and decreasingly common up into middle elevations to 1,200 meters. Inhabits forests and semi open areas. It is very curious and it does not fear humans.
Status: Least Concern

Euphonia on a papaya tree
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Scientific Name: Euphonia laniirostris.
Name: Thick-billed Euphonia.
Habitat: Forest edges, and gardens, up to 1,100 meters. Only on Pacific Slope.
Status: Least Concern.

cacique resting on a branch
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Scientific Name: Cacicus uropygialis
Name: Scarlet-rumped Cacique.
Habitat: Common on both slopes (Caribbean and Pacific), up to 1,100 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Crax Rubra eating plantains
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Scientific Name: Crax rubra
Name: Great Curassow.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests, it is extremely rare to be seen, less than 60 thousands individuals in the world. Even uncommon to rare in protected areas. Up to 1,200 meters.
Status: Vulnerable.

Crested Guan perched on a tree
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Scientific Name: Penelope purpurascens
Name: Crested Guan.
Habitat: Mature tropical rainforests, second growth and forest edges. It is common in protected areas across the country, up to 1,200 meters.
Status: Near Threatened.

Road Side Hawk standing on a branch
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Scientific Name: Rupornis magnirostris
Name: Roadside Hawk.
Habitat: Rainforests, forests edges, road edges, and open areas.
Status: Least Concern.

Road Side Hawk
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Scientific Name: Rupornis magnirostris
Name: Broad-winged Hawk.
Habitat: Forest edges. It is a migrant bird, Sep - May, below 2000 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Gray-capped Flycatcher standing on a leaf
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Scientific Name: Mioyzetetes granadensis
Name: Gray-capped Flycatcher.
Habitat: Wet lowlands, foothills, and middle elevations (1,500m).
Status: Least Concern.

Laughing falcon perched on a tree
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Scientific Name: Herpetotheres cachinnans
Name: Laughing Falcon.
Habitat: Forests edges, and open areas (it regularly perches on scattered trees). It feeds primarily on snakes. Up to 1,200 meters above sea sevel. Calls mainly during dusk and dawn.
Status: Least Concern.

Turkey vulture on a tree under the sol of midday
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Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Name: Turkey Vulture.
Habitat: Common throughout the country. It feeds on carrion and human garbage.
Status: Least Concern.

Honeycreeper walking across a branch
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Scientific Name: Cyanerpes lucidus
Name: Shinning Honeycreeper.
Habitat: Rainforests, forests edges, forest canopy, and gardens.
Status: Least Concern.

Crowned Woodnymph sleeping
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Scientific Name: Thalurania colombica
Name: Crowned Woodnymph.
Habitat: Mature wet forests, second growth and forests edges.
Status: Least Concern.

white necked jacobin under the rain
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Scientific Name: Florisuga mellivora
Name: White-necked Jacobin.
Habitat: Lowlands and foothills; 1,000 meters above sea level. It forages at all levels of forest edge and gardens.
Status: Least Concern.

Montezuma Oropendola building a long-hanging nest
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Scientific Name: Psarocolius montezuma.
Name: Montezuma Oropendola.
Habitat: Forests, forest edge, and gardens. It prefers open areas.
Status: Least Concern.

Spectacled Owl on a Trumpet Tree
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Scientific Name: Pulsatrix perspicillata.
Name: Spectacled Owl.
Habitat: Forests, second growth, and forest edges. Up to 1,500 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Ruddy ground dove singing on a capulin tree
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Scientific Name: Columbina Talpacoti.
Name: Ruddy Ground Dove.
Habitat: Gardens and open areas. Up to 1,400 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Slaty Tailed Trogon singing on Angel's hair tree
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Scientific Name: Trogon Massena.
Name: Slaty-tayled Trogon.
Habitat: Mature wet forests, second growth, and forest edges. Up to 1,200 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Slaty Tailed Trogon
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Scientific Name: Trogon caligatus.
Name: Gartered Trogon.
Habitat: Gallery forests, gardens, and forest edges. Up to 1,400 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Golden-naped Woodpecker
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Scientific Name: Melanerpes chrysauchen.
Name: Golden-naped Woodpecker.
Habitat: Middle level of forests, and forest edges. Uncommon in wet forests. Endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama. Up to 1,500 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Golden-naped Woodpecker
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Scientific Name: Campephilus guatemalensis.
Name: Pale-billed Woodpecker.
Habitat: Common in lowlands, up to 1,400 meters above sea level. It forages at all levels of forests.
Status: Least Concern.

Golden-naped Woodpecker
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Scientific Name: Dryocopus lineatus.
Name: Lineated Woodpecker.
Habitat: Fairly common in lowlands up to 1,400 meters. Generally, it prefers more open habitat areas.
Status: Least Concern.

Red-crowned woodpecker eating ants
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Scientific Name: Melanerpes rubricapillus.
Name: Red-crowned Woodpecker.
Habitat: Second growth forests, open areas, and gardens. Up to 1,500 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

red-lored parrot feeding on a tree
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Scientific Name: Amazonia autumnalis.
Name: Red-lored Parrot.
Habitat: Forest edges and gardens, up to 1,000 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Golden-naped Woodpecker
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Scientific Name: Cantorchilus semibadius.
Name: Riverside Wren.
Habitat: Mature wet forests, and at forest edges, up to 1,200 meters. Endemic to Costa Rica and Panama.
Status: Least Concern.

Black-cowled Oriole eating bananas
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Scientific Name: Icterus spurius.
Name: Black-cowled Oriole.
Habitat: Common migrant, July to October and March to April, uncommon during winter. Forest edges and gardens. Up to 1,500 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Cherri's Tanager eating a banana
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Scientific Name: Ramphocelus costaricensis.
Name: Cherri's Tanager.
Habitat: It lives in disturbed habitats with thickets and shrubs; endemic to Costa Rica and Panama. Up to 1,800 meters. It is found only on the Pacific slope.
Status: Least Concern.

golden-hooded tanager eating from a capulin tree
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Scientific Name: Tangara larvata.
Name: Golden-hooded Tanager.
Habitat: Gardens, and forest edges. Up to 1,600 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

Palm Tanager perched on a palm
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Scientific Name: Thraupis palmarum.
Name: Palm Tanager.
Habitat: It is found only on gardens up to 1,500 meters.
Status: Least Concern.

baltimoreoriole eating bananas from a feeder
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Scientific Name: Icterus galbula.
Name: Baltimore Oriole.
Habitat: Common and widespread migrant, from early Sept to early May. To (2,200m). It forages in forest edges and in gardens.
Status: Least Concern.

Gray-headed tanager eating ants
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Scientific Name: Eucometis penicillata.
Name: Gray-headed Tanager.
Habitat: Common in foothills and lowlands of Pacific Slope; to (1,200m). Forages in the understory of the forest and second growth. It commonly accompanies troops of White-faced Capuchin Monkeys and army-ant swarms.
Status: Least Concern.


Fungi

Cookeina Speciosa
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Scientific Name: Cookeina speciosa.
Name: Cookeina.
Caracteristics: The apothecium is cup-shaped, orange, and measures 1cm to 4cm. It's edible. And it grows on rotten trunks.

coprinellus
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Scientific Name: Coprinellus disseminatus.
Name: Coprinellus
Caracteristics: The stem is fragile, and white, they grow on rotten trunks.

hexagoniapapyraceaeberk style=
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Scientific Name: Hexagonia Papyraceae Berk.
Name: Hexagonia Papyraceae Berk.
Habitat: It grows on fallen trunks.
Caracteristics: The body measures 5-10 cm. The hymenium is formed by brown tubes, the pores are hexagonal or angular.

earliella
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Scientific Name: Earliella scabrosa.
Name: Earliella
Caracteristics: The pileus measures 2 to 6 cm wide. Yellow to brown in color. It is from the polyraceae family which means that they grown on fallen trees.

Ganoderma
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Scientific Name: Ganoderma longistipitatum.
Name: Ganoderma
Caracteristics: It is reddish brown in color, it grows at the bases of fallen trunks, it is not edible.

polyporus sanguineus
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Scientific Name: Pycnoporus sanguineus.
Name: Pycnoporus
Caracteristics: It is shaped like circular orange ledges, it is common to see them growing on fallen trunks.

Cookeina
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Scientific Name: Cookeina tricholoma.
Name: Cookeina
Carateristics: Ascocarps are hairy, cup-shaped, orange in color, and grow on fallen trunks.

marasmius
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Scientific Name: Marasmius sp.
Name: Marasmius sp.
Carateristics: They grow on leaves, branches, or nuts. the pileus is thin and brown.

Common Rain Frog
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Scientific Name: Gymnopus montagnei .
Name: Montagnei.
Carateristics: It is a saprophyte that plays an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter in the soil. Its habitat is primarily in broad-leaved forests, where it can be found on fallen leaves.

Oudemansiella canarii
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Scientific Name: Oudemansiella canarii
Name: Canarii
Characteristics: Oudemansiella canarii is a fungus with a distinctive umbrella-shaped cap and a slimy surface. It plays an essential ecological role as a decomposer of organic matter, particularly in humid forest environments.
Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical forests, often on decaying wood, tree stumps, or fallen logs.

Hygrophoraceae miniata
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Scientific Name: Hygrophoraceae miniata
Name: Miniata
Characteristics: The fruiting bodies of this family are characterized by being hygrophanous (wet appearance) and having a gelatinous, viscid surface, and the context is very fragile and the texture is waxy. The family Hygrophoraceae is very poorly represented in tropical areas, it is considered to be from temperate areas.


Arachnids

Tailless whip scorpion
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Scientific Name: Phrynus maesi
Name: Tailless Whip Scorpion.
Characteristics: The Tailless Whip Scorpion is an arachnid found in tropical regions of Central America. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion, as it lacks the venomous tail. Instead, this species uses its long, whip-like appendages to sense its environment and capture prey.

callipogon
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Scientific Name: Cynorta sp.
Name: Daddy Longlegs or harvester opilion.
Characteristics: Cynorta is a genus of harvest spiders in the Cosmetidae family, known for their ornate patterns and flattened bodies. They inhabit tropical and subtropical understory vegetation, helping to control small invertebrates.

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver
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Scientific Name: Trichonephila clavipes
Name: Golden Silk Orb-Weaver.
Characteristics: It is identifyed by its golden-colored silk. Females are significantly larger than males and exhibit striking coloration, often with yellow, black, and orange patterns.

psalmopoeus reduncus spider looking for a pray at the forest during night
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Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus cambridgei
Name: Trinidad Chevron Tarantula.
Characteristics: It is s a strikingly beautiful species of tarantula, known for its chevron-like pattern on the abdomen.

Argiope argentata
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Scientific Name: Argiope argentata.
Name: Silver garden orb-weaver.
Characteristics: It is considered a tropical spider, it is regularly seen in gardens, and in warm and humid environments such as the tropical forest. It is considered a good biologic agent as a plague controller.

Red-Thighed Bromeliad Spider
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Scientific Name: Cupiennius coccineus.
Name: Red-Thighed Bromeliad Spider.
Characteristics: It frequents the lower parts of the forest, rich in heliconias and broad-leaved plants. Here it finds its favorite habitat, since these plants serve as a platform for hunting.

Trechalea connexa
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Scientific Name: Trechalea connexa.
Name: Brindle Fishing Spider.
Characteristics: They are typically found near lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. As the name suggests it captures prays from sources of water.

common wandering spider
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Scientific Name: Ctenidae Family.
Name: Wandering Spider.
Characteristics: It lives in disturbed and pristine areas. Very widespread.

eriophoraravilla weaving a net
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Scientific Name: Eriophora ravilla.
Name: Tropical Orb-Web Spider.
Characteristics: It lives in vegetation-rich environments where it skillfully camouflages itself, blending seamlessly into the foliage to evade predators as it navigates its complex life cycle. They can be found in the center of the spider web that they build only at night.

Ctenus ornatus eating a leaf-cutter ant
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Scientific Name: Ctenus ornatus.
Name: Wandering Spider.
Characteristics: It lives in vegetation-rich environments where it skillfully camouflages itself. In Spanish it is known as Araña Bananera as it is found in banana plantations. It is a nocturnal spider that hunts at night, using its keen eyesight to locate prey.


Insects

Flag Assassin bug eating a leaf-cutter ant
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Scientific Name: Apiomerus vexillarius.
Name: Flag Assassin Bug.
Characteristics: Known for its vibrant patterns and predatory behavior, this insect belongs to the Reduviidae family. It preys on other insects and uses itproboscis to inject saliva that digests the prey externally.

Central American Scorpion hidden under a bark
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Scientific Name: Centruroides limbatus.
Name: Central American Scorpion.
Characteristics: This scorpion is known for its distinctive coloration and potent venom. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where it inhabits leaf litter and under rocks. Its venom is used for hunting prey and self-defense.

Cicada making noises at night
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Scientific Name: Cicadidae
Name: Cicada
Characteristics: Cicadas are insects in the Cicadidae family known for their loud mating calls and unique life cycles, including long underground nymph stages and periodic emergences every 13 or 17 years. They have prominent eyes, transparent wings, and robust bodies, and are found in warm temperate to tropical regions.

callipogon looking for food on a fallen trunk
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Scientific Name: Callipogon lemoinei
Name: Lemoine's Longhorn Beetle
Characteristics: This large beetle is known for its elongated body and strikingly long antennae, which can surpass its body length. It plays a vital ecological role in decomposing dead wood and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

Orthemis ferruginea sleeping on a branch
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Scientific Name: Orthemis ferruginea
Name: Roseate Skimmer.
Characteristics: The Orthemis ferruginea is a species of dragonfly belonging to the Libellulidae family. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Central America. This dragonfly is known for its striking coloration, with vibrant orange and black patterns on its wings and body.

common jungle cockroach sleeping on a leaf
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Scientific Name: Epilampra sp.
Name: Epilampra Cockroach
Characteristics: The Epilampra genus includes medium to large-sized cockroaches with a robust, oval body and a brown or dark mottled coloration, providing effective camouflage in their natural environment.

heliconius butterfly on the fly
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Scientific Name: Heliconius spp.
Name: Heliconius Butterfly
Characteristics: Heliconius butterflies are a group of vividly patterned species in the Nymphalidae family, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions like Costa Rica. They are known for their long lifespans, mimicry, and unique ability to feed on pollen.

click beetle on a Spanish Cedar
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Scientific Name: Chalcolepidius lacordairei.
Name: Click Beetle
Characteristics: The "click beetle" is a member of the Elateridae family, known for its unique ability to produce a clicking sound when it flips over or feels threatened. This sound is produced by a mechanism in its body that allows it to quickly flip back to its original position, helping it escape from predators.

latern bug
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Scientific Name: Enchophora sanguinea
Name: Lantern Bug.
Characteristics: Enchophora sanguinea is a species of lantern bug, an insect from the hemiptera order.

morpho on the side of a trunk
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Scientific Name: Morpho helenor narcissus
Name: Morpho.
Characteristics: The Morpho butterfly is a genus of large, vibrantly colored butterflies found in tropical forest. In Costa Rica lives the vibrant Morpho Helenor Narcissus.

candy cane katydid on the ground of the forest
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Scientific Name: Arachnoscelis feroxnotha
Name: Candy Cane Katydid.
Characteristics: The first species was discovered in 1994 in la Sirena Ranger Station (Corcovado). It is a rare speciment to observe here.

Earthworm on the run through the forest
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Scientific Name: Amynthas gracilis
Name: Common Earthworm.
Characteristics: A vital decomposer in Costa Rican soils, the common earthworm enriches soil fertility by breaking down organic matter, aerating the soil, and enhancing plant growth. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich environments.

camel cricket looking for food on the ground of the rainforest
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Scientific Name: Diestrammena asynamora.
Name: Camel Cricket
Characteristics: Diestrammena asynamora is a species of camel cricket known for its elongated hind legs and long antennae, adapted to a nocturnal and cave-dwelling lifestyle. It has a soft, wingless body with a camouflaged appearance that helps it blend into dark, damp environments, making it an efficient scavenger in its habitat.

caterpillar eating a leave
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Scientific Name: Not applicable (varies by species)
Name: Caterpillar
Characteristics: Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths with soft, segmented bodies and multiple prolegs. They feed voraciously on foliage to fuel metamorphosis and use varied coloration for camouflage or warning, often possessing defenses like spines or toxins.

termites on their nest
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Scientific Name: Isoptera (currently classified under Blattodea)
Name: Termites.
Characteristics:Termites are eusocial insects that form structured colonies with distinct castes. They feed on cellulose from wood and plant matter, playing an essential role in nutrient recycling, though they can also damage human structures.

walking stick eating a leaf
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Scientific Name: Phasmatodea
Name: Walking Stick.
Characteristics: This remarkable insect is renowned for its exceptional camouflage, resembling twigs or branches to evade predators. It is a herbivore that feeds on leaves, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Mammals


agouti looking for seeds in the rainforest
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Scientific Name: Dasyprocta punctata
Name: Central American Agouti.
Habitat: In all types of forests and brushes.
Status: Least Concern.

howler monkey looking for fresh leaves
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Scientific Name: Alouatta palliata
Name: Golden Mantled Howler Monkey.
Habitat: Inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, including primary rainforests, secondary growth, and montane cloud forests. They are typically found in the canopy of forests in Central America and parts of South America.
Status: Endangered.

coati looking for food on the ground
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Scientific Name: Nasua narica Name: White-Nosed Coati.
Habitat: In disturbed and pristine habitats.Mostly in or near forest, it normally visits agricultural fields.
Status: Least Concern.

puma concolor walking in the middle of the night
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Scientific Name: Puma concolor costaricensis
Name: Puma Concolor
Habitat: Uncommon, rarely seen. Only found in an undisturbed place as unprotected areas.
Status: Least Concern.

tayra crossing a trail
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Scientific Name: Eira barbara. Name: Tayra.
Habitat: In pristine and disturbed habitats, in or near forests.
Status: Least Concern.

white face monkey resting on a branch
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Scientific Name: Cebus capucinus
Name: White-face Monkey
Habitat: Found in pristine and disturbed habitats, in or near forests.
Status: Least Concern.

porcupine running in the middle of the night
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Scientific Name: Coendu mexicanus.
Name: Mexican Hairy Porcupine.
Habitat: Inhabits tropical and subtropical forests of Mexico and parts of Central America. This arboreal species is typically found in dense, humid woodlands, often in the canopy, where it forages for leaves, fruits, and bark.
Status: Least Concern.

Cuniculus paca walking at night, it is an extremely rare species to see
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Scientific Name: Cuniculus paca. Name: Tepezcuintle.
Habitat: It prefers to live near waterways in tropical forests, where it finds shelter and food. Only nocturnal. It is one of the main distributors of seeds in the forest.
Status: Least Concern.

common skunk eating a plantain
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Scientific Name: Didelphis marsupialis.
Name: Common Opossum.
Habitat: It is found at elevations up to 2000 meters above sea level, and thrives in both pristine forests and disturbed habitats..
Status: Least Concern.

Marmosa mexicana looking for food on a bush
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Scientific Name: Marmosa mexicana
Name: Mexican marmosa.
Habitat: It inhabits forested and disturbed habitats to about 1,600 meters. Mouse opossums are nocturnal and solitary. They are specially arboreal. During the day they can be found resting in abandoned bird nests, or leaf nests which they build.
Status: Least Concern.


Flora

Heliconia bihai
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Name: Heliconia Bihai.

heliconia Trichocarpa
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Name: Heliconia Trichocarpa.

heliconia Chartacea
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Name: Heliconia Chartacea.

heliconia Imbricata
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Name: Heliconia Imbricata.

heliconia irrasa
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Name: Heliconia Irrasa.

heliconia Latisphata
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Name: Heliconia Latisphata.

heliconia longa
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Name: Heliconia Longa.

heliconia longiflora
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Name: Heliconia Longiflora.

heliconia psittacorum
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Name: Heliconia Psittacorum.

heliconia rostrata
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Name: Heliconia Rostrata.

boarwood with flowers
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Scientific Name: Symphonia globullifera.
Name: Boarwood.
Habitat: Widespread and ocurring on both slopes in wet environments, sea level to 1800 m.

Couroupita guianensis
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Scientific Name: Couroupita guianensis.
Name: Cannonball Tree
Characteristics: The Couroupita guianensis, or Cannonball Tree, is known for its large, round fruit resembling a cannonball. Its flowers are striking, aromatic, and bloom directly from the trunk. The tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties and ornamental appeal.
Habitat: Native to the tropical regions of South America, especially in the Amazon Basin, it grows in humid, lowland forests.

fairy queen
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Scientific Name: Tilladsia punctulata.
Name: Fairy Queen
Habitat: On pasture trees and in forests; in all major mountain ranges.

calathea vinosa
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Scientific Name: Calathea vinosa.
Name: Calathea.
Habitat: Primary forests. The inferior of the leaf has a sticky texture as velcro.

costus spicatus
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Scientific Name: Costus spicatus.
Name: Sour Cane.
Habitat: Primary forests, secondary growth, and edge of forests. They must avoid direct sun exposure. It has several medicinal uses: kidney ailments, skin disorders, and eye problems.

poro
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Scientific Name: Erythrina lanceolata.
Name: Poró.
Habitat: 400 - 1.500 msnm. It is used for building natural fences for cattle, and reforestation. The flowers attract hummingbirds.

lantana camara
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Scientific Name: Lantana camara.
Name: Lantana.
Habitat: It is mainly used in gardes as it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

miconia
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Scientific Name: Miconia subcrustulata.
Name: Miconia.
Habitat: From 0 - 1.200 msnm. Very good ornamental for gardens. They are considered invasive shrubs (weeds), though. However, migrant and resident birds feed from its ripe fruits.

miconia conostegia schlimii
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Scientific Name: Miconia subcrustulata.
Name: Miconia.
Habitat: From 0 - 1.200 msnm. Very good ornamental for gardens. They are considered invasive shrubs (weeds), though. However, migrant and resident birds feed from its ripe fruits.

Palicourea elata
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Scientific Name: Palicourea elata.
Name: Psychotria.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. It serves as a food for hummingbirds and fruit-eating birds. It is a relative of the coffee.

isertia
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Scientific Name: Isertia haenkeana.
Name: Isertia.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. It serves as a food for hummingbirds. It is a relative of the coffee. However, it is an invaside weed and it can become uncotrollable.

kapok tree over 100 meters high and over 300 years old
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Scientific Name: Ceiba petandra.
Name: Kapok tree.
Habitat: Dry to wet forest, on Caribbean and Pacific Slope, up to 1,000 meters. Native to Africa.

walking palm, the real palm heart
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Scientific Name: Socratea exorrhiza.
Name: Stilt Palm - Walking Palm.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. In places such as Tortuguero, La Selva (Sarapiquí), and the Osa Peninsula. Up to 750 meters.

mimosa pudica
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Scientific Name: Mimosa pudica
Name: Dikáglë .
Habitat: Native to tropical rainforests of the americas.

Rhapis humilis
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Scientific Name: Rhapis humilis.
Name: Chinese Umbrella.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest.

Monstera pinnatipartita
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Scientific Name: Monstera pinnatipartita.
Name: Monstera pinnatipartita (Swiss Cheese).
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. It is found in the Osa Peninsula.

Aspidosperma myristicifolium
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Scientific Name: Aspidosperma myristicifolium
Name: Caja (Box), Tapir's Rib.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. It is distributed in Costa Rica from Carara to the Osa Peninsula.

Bursera simaruba
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Scientific Name: Bursera simaruba.
Name: Naked Indian Tree.
Habitat: Dry to wet habitat across Costa Rica. This is one of the most famous species to build natural fences. While associated to dry forests, it is found in places as La Selva and Osa.

ficus aurea or strangler fig
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Scientific Name: Ficus aurea
Name: Strangler Fig.
Habitat: Dry to wet ecosystems. It is a strangler fig, which means that it grows on other trees.

Monkey Apple
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Scientific Name: Posoqueria latifolia
Name: Monkey Apple.
Habitat: Common on coastal areas. Wet to very wet climate, it is found on the Caribbean and the Pacific Slope. It is known as Monkey Apple because it is a great source of food for monkeys.

Ant Acacia, angry ants running over its leaves
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Scientific Name: Vachellia collinsii.
Name: Ant Acacia.
Habitat: It grows on the Pacific Slope, up to 1,000 meters. Very common in Guanacaste.

Astrocaryum alatum
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Scientific Name: Astrocaryum alatum
Name: Coquillo or Coquito (Small Coconut).
Habitat: This species is found along the Atlantic slope in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, it is also present in the Osa Peninsula. Astrocaryum alatum is especially common in swamp forests.

Neomarica northiana
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Scientific Name: Neomarica northiana.
Name: Walking Iris.
Habitat: Native to Brasil, it is only found if planted. Introduced in Costa Rica.

monkey comb
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Scientific Name: Apeiba tibourbou
Name: Monkey Comb.
Habitat: Along the Pacific Slope, up to 1,000 meters. Only found in disturbed forests and forests' edges.

garlic tree
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Scientific Name: Caryocar costaricense.
Name: Garlic Tree.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. It is distributed from Carara to Osa Peninsula.

Passiflora
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Scientific Name: Passiflora vitifolia
Name: Passiflora.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest, wet or moist forest understoty or edge, common on Osa region. It lives on the treetops of the high trees. It canopies down and the flowers are near the ground.

Philodendron
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Scientific Name: Xanthosoma undipes
Name: Elephant Ear.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. Normally, it is found above 1000 msnm, however, it has been occasionally seen at loweer wet sites as La Selva (Sarapiqui), and the Osa region.

suita
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Scientific Name: Asterogyne martiana
Name: Suita.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest. Up to 1000 msnm, specially notable in the northeast and Osa region. In the past, people would use its leaves to build roofs for their open air houses, or ranchos. However, it led to cause a massive destruction of the environment.

Dracontium soconoscum
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Scientific Name: Dracontium soconoscum
Name: Snake Killer.
Habitat: This tree is native to Costa Rica and is found mostly in humid forests. It is found understory, along the streams, and forest edges. Mostly at 30-1000m.


Reptiles

eyelash pitviper
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Scientific Name: Bothriechis schlegelii
Name: Eyelash Pitviper.
Habitat: Elavated scales on dorsal margin of eye form 2 eyelash-like projections. It is normally found on trees, never on the ground. Extremely poisonous, it requires immediate medical attention.

basiliscus basiliscus
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Scientific Name: Basiliscus basiliscus
Name: Common Basilisk.
Habitat: It is almost always found near fresh water. The tails is twice as long as the body.

Bothrops asper
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Scientific Name: Bothrops asper
Name: Fer-de-lance.
Habitat: It can be found all across the country. Dark postocular stripe and vertical pupils. Terrestrial. Necessary immediate medical attention.

ameiva reticulada
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Scientific Name: Ameiva leptophrys
Name: Reticulated Ameiva.
Habitat: It lives in the rainforest on the Pacific side. Middorsal area is crisscrossed by multiple black lines.

ninia maculata
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Scientific Name: Ninia maculata
Name: Spotted Wood Snake.
Habitat: It is found all across the country. Extremely variable in coloration. Secretively moves through the forest, when it feels threatened it flattens its body.

oropel Bothriechis schlegelii
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Scientific Name: Bothriechis schlegelii
Name: Oropel.
Habitat: Elavated scales on dorsal margin of eye form 2 eyelash-like projections. It is normally found on trees, never on the ground. Extremely poisonous, it requires immediate medical attention.