Conserving Insects, Strengthening communities
Found in Chocamán. Endangered in the United States.
Since 2018, a local naturalist named Ignacio has been documenting insects in Chocamán — uploading photos to iNaturalist from his phone, with no funding, out of pure curiosity.
Micratena found his records, invited him to field surveys in Tlachinoltepetl Natural Protected Area, and systematized over 240 research-grade observations. Cross-referencing each species against conservation databases revealed something remarkable: two species — Cocytius antaeus and Syssphinx raspa — are listed as endangered in the United States. Both were documented right here.
They are now part of the Chocamán Insect Field Guide — the first printed insect guide for this cloud forest region.
In Mexico — and especially in small municipalities like Chocamán — insects have been seen for generations as a nuisance, a problem to eliminate. But without insects, there is no food on our tables. Without them, we would live buried in unrecycled waste. Without them, there is no humanity.
Micratena exists because someone has to say it out loud.
Discover the Biodiversity of Veracruz
Get a professional preview of our field guide and explore the unique insects of Mexico’s Cloud Forests, documented by Micratena in Chocamán, Veracruz.
Conserving insect populations ensures the stability of food webs and the continued provision of these essential ecosystem services.
Insects such as pollinators, natural predators of pests, and decomposers contribute significantly to healthier and more productive farming ecosystems.
Edible insects like chapulines (grasshoppers), escamoles (ant larvae), and jumiles (stink bugs) are cherished delicacies in various regional cuisines, offering a sustainable and nutritious food source.
Community Voices
Insect perception surveys conducted in Chocamán, Veracruz.
Community Science
Research grade records contributed by the Chocamán community.
Field Guide
Insect field guide produced for Chocamán, Veracruz.
Pilot Research
Black soldier fly essay with locally collected specie.
