Abejones, June Bugs

Living in Costa Rica means living with bugs. Their persistence often out does our efforts to free our environment of them. Spiders are swept outside, unless they are impressive looking and then we put them in the French press and examine them first. Ants win, always. They encourage cleanliness, for any tiny crumb left behind is like a welcome banner. Moths, beetles and butterflies come in all shades, with spectacular patterns and colors. And then there are the stick bugs, always impressive.  Often we take into account how harmonious nature is, every tiny little bug eager to perform its own task. At times, when observing them, it seems like we are the only ones getting it wrong, that people are an obstacle in the symphony of life. 

I tend to carry this perception until the annual infestation of Abejones, June bugs.  In Costa Rica, they emerge with the start of the rain, and seem outsiders to the purposeful balance of their counterparts. Though gifted with flight, their bodies are just too heavy to manage any grace. More often than not, they fly full speed into walls and fall to their backs, stunned and unable to right themselves. My girls think they are cute and fun to carry around just until they appear in masses, flying randomly into their hair, or getting crunched into an oozing brown goo beneath their feet.

Wondering what on Earth the purpose of these bothersome creatures is, I decided to read more about them. It turns out, that they are an utter menace to gardens, eating up root systems and plants alike. My yard has never suffered from their multitudes, so what else? I also read that they are edible, and if prepared properly, can be quite satisfying. And so, I think to myself, would my daughters be more opposed to the season of June bugs, or to June bugs seasoned? I can't say that my curiosity about these awkward brown orbs has made me search out the best recipe, but I am satisfied knowing they could be put to good use.