Costa Rica Is Losing Its "may beetles", Harbingers of the Rainy Season

May beetles (Phyllophaga) are a large genus of beetles belonging to the subfamily Melolonthinae. They are commonly known as "May beetles" because they emerge in large numbers with the first rains of May to reproduce. However, according to a report by El País, this species is rapidly disappearing, primarily due to the accelerated urbanization that Costa Rica has undergone since the 1990s. Although there is no official data on the decline in their population, biologist Ricardo Murillo estimates that up to 95% of these beetles may have been lost over the past 40 years. This drastic reduction is a cause for concern among scientists, as May beetles play essential ecological roles: they serve as a food source for birds and some mammals in tropical forests, contribute to pollination, and help enrich and fertilize the soil. In light of this situation, it is crucial to raise awareness about their importance. Beyond the stigma often associated with them, May beetles are vital to maintaining ecological balance.