Top 18 Most Common Insects in Tulum
Insects, the tiny, yet incredibly diverse inhabitants of our planet, have carved out homes in every environment within Tulum. From dense jungles to white-sand beaches, distinct habitats cultivate unique insect societies. Nature's unassuming janitors, pollinators and predators, these tiny creatures play a monumental role in our ecosystems. Our list of the 'Top 18 Most Common Insects' illustrates the astounding variety within Tulum, illuminating fascinating relationships between insects and their wild or urban landscapes.
Most Common Insects
1. Caribbean spiny lobster
Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is a crustacean found in reefs and mangrove swamps in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is the most commonly harvested Panulirus species in the Caribbean region, highly valued for its meat. It is nocturnal and lives a relatively secluded lifestyle hiding in various shelters. Still, odd migrations of hundreds of individuals lined up and marching on the seafloor happen from time to time near Florida and the Bahamas.
2. Giant red-winged grasshopper
The giant red-winged grasshopper is one of the largest insects in the world! They are herbivores and if put in large numbers, can decimate crops. Interestingly, they can use their wings to create vibrations in order to attract females. The adult giant red-winged grasshopper has leaf-like wings which help the species to camouflage very well in vegetation.
3. Dark zebra swallowtail
The dark zebra swallowtail is named for its striking black and white zebra-like wings, which taper into a long point like a swallow's tail. These butterflies feed on flower nectar, and as such are important plant pollinators. They can be found in low-lying habitats, often beside rivers. 
4. Red postman butterfly
The red postman butterfly (Heliconius erato) is a beautiful black and white butterfly that is a skilled actor. It exhibits mimicry to resemble a butterfly similar to the Common postman to deter predators. Also, its favorite host plants are passion flowers. But it has been known to be picky about the quality of the flower.
5. Caribbean hermit crab
Caribbean hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus) is a land hermit crab found in many parts of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean sea. This herbivorous and scavenging crab uses modified gills to breathe air. It prefers the shells of West Indian top snail (Cittarium pica). The caribbean hermit crab is one of the two species of hermit crabs found in the pet trade in the US.
6. Banana spider
The banana spider (Nephila clavipes) is called that because it is commonly found in banana shipments leading from South America. There are many spiders that fit this category (often found in banana shipments), so this one is also called the Golden silk orb-weaver to distinguish them. This name is more related to the strength of its silk, which is stronger than steel based on tensile strength.
7. Bifurcate trashline orbweaver
The forked abdomen, bearing two humps shaped like the letter M, is a defining feature in both males and females. Both sexes are a transparent green color, though only females have an area of red on their underside between the epigynum and the spinnerets. Females are nearly thirty percent larger than males, ranging from 5 - 9 mm , while males range from 2 - 3 mm . Females sit in the middle of a vertical row of web decoration, with egg sacs above and wrapped prey below. Because they all have a similar color and shape, it is difficult to discern between the egg sacs, the wrapped prey, and the spider itself.
8. Short-bodied cellar spider
Physocyclus globosus, sometimes known as the short-bodied cellar spider is a species of spider belonging to the family Pholcidae. This is a cosmopolitan species, found in caves and buildings throughout the warmer parts of the world.
9. Abracris flavolineata
Abracris flavolineata is a right-winged insect from the family locusts (Acrididae). The scientific name of this species was first validly published in 1773 by De Geer.
10. Common dusted spurwing
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